Have you come across the term NAAC in relation to colleges and universities in India? Do you know what it stands for and why it matters?
This post will clarify the full form of NAAC and explain its role in higher education in India.
What Does NAAC Stand For?
NAAC stands for National Assessment and Accreditation Council. It is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 1994.
The full form of NAAC in Hindi is राष्ट्रीय आकलन और प्रत्यायन परिषद. The council is headquartered in Bangalore and has six regional offices across India.
NAAC’s Role in Higher Education
NAAC is responsible for assessing and accrediting higher education institutions in India like colleges, universities, and other recognized institutions.
The assessment aims to gauge the ‘Quality Status’ of the institution based on accepted standards. It examines various aspects like curriculum, faculty, infrastructure, administration, student services, etc.
The grading provided by NAAC serves like a quality stamp and enables institutions to improve their quality standards. It also facilitates universities to identify colleges for grants, fellowships, and other benefits.
NAAC Assessment Methodology
NAAC conducts the assessment through a combination of self-study by HEIs and peer review by NAAC. The methodology consists of quantitative and qualitative metrics.
The criteria cover seven key aspects:
- Curricular Aspects
- Teaching-Learning and Evaluation
- Research, Innovations and Extension
- Infrastructure and Learning Resources
- Student Support and Progression
- Governance, Leadership and Management
- Institutional Values and Best Practices
NAAC Grading System
Based on the assessment, NAAC provides a grade between A++ and C. The grades signify the following:
- A++ and A+: Very Good (Accredited)
- A and B++: Good (Accredited)
- B+ and B: Satisfactory (Accredited)
- C: Average (Accredited)
The accreditation is valid for 5 years after which institutions have to apply again for re-assessment. The grading helps colleges showcase their standing and offers a benchmark for improvement.
Difference Between NAAC, NBA and NIRF
NAAC is sometimes confused with National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). Here are the key differences:
- NAAC accredits all colleges and universities. NBA focuses on undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, architecture, management and pharmacy.
- NAAC judges quality standards. NIRF provides rankings based on overall performance across parameters.
- NAAC has a 5-year accreditation validity. NIRF publishes rankings annually.
So in summary, NAAC examines the quality of higher education institutions in India. Its assessment and accreditation enable stakeholders to gauge the standards of a college or university. This promotes quality enhancement and helps students make informed choices about their education.
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