NAAC Recommended Implementation Of Binary Accreditation System

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is set to revolutionize the evaluation of colleges and universities in the country

NAAC Recommended Implementation Of Binary Accreditation System For Higher Education Institutions

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is set to revolutionize the evaluation of colleges and universities in the country, as outlined in the Ministry of Education's final report. Departing from traditional grading, the proposed changes include a binary and multi-level accreditation system, an outcome-focused methodology, institution categorization, and enhanced data transparency through the 'One Nation One Data' platform.

The 'Reforms for Strengthening Assessment and Accreditation in Higher Education Institutions' (HIE) report, unveiled by the Ministry of Education, emphasizes significant shifts in the accreditation process. The recommendations advocate for a binary accreditation system, urging all institutions to participate, fostering a culture of quality in higher education. Additionally, a maturity-based graded accreditation, with levels ranging from 1 to 5, encourages institutions to elevate their standards progressively.

The NAAC will execute these reforms in two stages, with the binary system to be implemented in the next four months. During this phase, no new applications will be accepted under the current methodology. Institutions applying within this timeframe will have the option to follow either the existing process or the new methodology. The maturity-based graded levels are slated for implementation by December 2024.

The report, crafted by an overarching committee led by K Radhakrishnan, former Chairman of ISRO and chairperson of the Standing Committee of IIT Council, was submitted to Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan on January 16, following public feedback on the draft released in May 2023. The final version paves the way for transformative reforms in the assessment and accreditation of higher education institutions in India.