NAAC revamps accreditation process, will implement maturity based grading; current grades until April-May 2025

NEW DELHI: In line with the recommendations of the Dr Radhakrishnan Committee, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has announced plans to introduce a revamped accreditation system for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) starting in April-May 2025. NAAC will also launch the Basic (Binary) Accreditation in April-May 2025, followed by the introduction of Maturity-Based Graded Levels (MBGL).

As per NAAC official press release, special committees have been set up to prepare the framework and methodology for the MBGL.

To facilitate the smooth transition to the new accreditation system, the executive committee of NAAC has also outlined key decisions that will affect the ongoing accreditation processes for HEIs.

Revised Accreditation Framework: Key decisions for HEIs

Retention of Current Grades for HEIs in Cycle 2 and Above: HEIs currently in Cycle 2 and beyond under the existing RAF will be allowed to retain the validity of their present grade until the Basic Accreditation and MBGL are officially launched.

Once these new accreditation systems are in place, institutions will have the option to choose between the Basic or MBGL systems, depending on their preparedness. The fees already paid for accreditation will be adjusted according to the current stage of the assessment process.

Option for HEIs in Cycle 1: For HEIs in Cycle 1 under the RAF, there will be an option to opt for Basic Accreditation. Similar to the previous provision, the fees paid will be adjusted as per the policy, based on the progress made in the assessment process.

Online and Hybrid Assessment Options: HEIs that prefer to proceed with the accreditation process under the existing RAF system, despite the launch of the new models, will undergo peer team assessments through either online mode for colleges and hybrid mode for universities.