NAAC Transitions to Fully Digital Accreditation Process

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has implemented significant changes to its higher education accreditation methodology. The revised system operates entirely online and simplifies participation for Indian universities and colleges.

Key Changes to the Accreditation Process

1. Digital Platform: Institutions now submit evidence and complete assessments through an online portal.
2. Simplified Initial Outcome: NAAC has replaced its seven-point grading scale for initial accreditation with a binary outcome: Accredited or Not Accredited.
3. No Initial Physical Visits: NAAC will base initial accreditation decisions solely on digitally submitted evidence, eliminating mandatory peer team visits.
4. Shorter Accreditation Cycle: The initial accreditation validity period decreases from five years to three years.
5. Maturity-Based Graded Accreditation (MBGA): Accredited institutions can pursue progressive levels:
   • Levels 1 & 2: Focus on core standards; assessment occurs primarily online.
   • Level 3: Requires online assessment and physical verification visits.
   • Levels 4 & 5: Represent global benchmarks; Level 5 denotes international standards. Both require rigorous evaluation.
6. Direct Application to Higher Levels: Institutions with proven high standards can apply directly for Level 3, 4, or 5 accreditation.

Addressing Current Accreditation Rates

Current NAAC accreditation coverage remains limited:

• Only ~40% of India’s 1,170 universities hold NAAC accreditation.
• Fewer than 20% of ~50,000 colleges are accredited.

Professor Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the NAAC Executive Council, stated: “Our objective is to ensure that between 90%-95% of these higher educational institutions obtain accreditation.” He emphasized that accreditation provides a recognized guarantee of educational quality, benefiting students and reassuring parents.

Officials acknowledge that the complexity and perceived risk of low grades under the previous system discouraged applications.

Official Announcement and Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to formally announce this framework on July 29, 2024, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Implications for Institutions

• Increased Accessibility: The online process and simplified initial step lower barriers for participation.
• Reduced Administrative Burden: Eliminating initial physical visits decreases logistical demands.
• Clear Improvement Pathway: The MBGA provides a structured framework for continuous enhancement.
• Maintained Quality Benchmark: Accreditation remains a key quality indicator for stakeholders.

Recommended Steps for Institutions

1. Monitor NAAC Communications: Review upcoming guidelines at https://www.naac.gov.in/ after July 29th.
2. Organize Digital Documentation: Systematize evidence on governance, teaching, infrastructure, and student support.
3. Conduct Internal Review: Assess practices against expected quality parameters.
4. Develop Engagement Plans: Align the new process with institutional quality goals.