Understanding the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) plays a crucial role in safeguarding the quality of higher education in India. Established in 1994, this autonomous body assesses and accredits universities, colleges and other recognised institutions. This process helps students, parents, and policymakers understand the “Quality Status” of an Institution.

What does NAAC assess?

NAAC evaluates institutions based on various parameters, including:
- Educational processes and outcomes (effectiveness of teaching, student learning)
- Curriculum coverage (relevance and comprehensiveness of programs)
- Teaching-learning processes (methods employed, faculty-student interaction)
- Faculty qualifications and development (expertise, training opportunities)
- Research activities (contribution to knowledge creation)
- Infrastructure and learning resources (availability of facilities and technology)
- Organizational structure and governance (leadership, decision-making processes)
- Financial health (resource management, sustainability)
- Student services (support systems, welfare initiatives)

NAAC’s Vision and Mission:

Vision: To make quality the defining characteristic of higher education in India through self-assessment, external evaluation, and ongoing efforts to promote and sustain quality.
Mission:
- To assess and accredit institutions, programs, or projects.
- To stimulate a conducive environment for improving teaching, learning, and research.
- To encourage self-evaluation, accountability, autonomy, and innovation within institutions.
- To conduct research, provide consultancy, and offer training programs related to quality in education.
- To collaborate with stakeholders to enhance the quality of higher education.

NAAC’s Value Framework:

NAAC promotes specific core values among institutions:
- Contributing to National Development: Aligning education with national priorities and challenges.
- Fostering Global Competencies: Preparing students for the globalised world.
- Inculcating a Value System: Emphasizing ethical, social, and moral responsibility.
- Promoting the Use of Technology: Integrating technology effectively into education.
- Quest for Excellence: Continuously striving to improve quality and set higher standards.
- Teaching-learning processes (methods employed, faculty-student interaction)

By understanding NAAC’s role and its commitment to quality, students, parents, and education stakeholders can make informed decisions and work towards building a stronger higher education system in India.