NAAC Guidelines 2024: Key Updates Based on NEP 2020

In light of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has introduced transformative reforms to align the accreditation process with the evolving landscape of higher education institutions (HEIs) in India. Here’s a breakdown of the recent changes, based on the recommendations from the Dr. Radhakrishnan Committee:

1. Universal Accreditation Coverage

The NEP 2020 emphasizes that all HEIs across India should be accredited, with standards tailored to meet the unique needs of each institution type. This marks a shift towards inclusivity, ensuring that every institution, regardless of size or specialization, adheres to quality benchmarks.

2. Phased Quality Benchmarks

The newly proposed accreditation system aims to set phased benchmarks for all HEIs, ensuring continuous improvement. This is designed to promote quality at all levels of education, ensuring that each institution can meet evolving standards over time.

3. Binary Accreditation System (July 2024 Launch)

Starting July 2024, institutions that are not currently accredited can apply for the Binary Accreditation System. This system will offer an entry-level accreditation option for HEIs, offering either a “Yes” or “No” accreditation status based on basic quality standards.

Institutions that are already accredited under the existing methodology can continue to hold their grades until their validity expires. After January 2025, they can apply for Maturity-Based Graded Levels (MBGL), which will be a more advanced form of accreditation focused on assessing the institution’s growth over time.

4. Options for HEIs Under Current Accreditation Process

Institutions whose applications are currently under review (through the existing Revised Accreditation Framework, or RAF) have two options:

• Opt for Binary Accreditation before 31st August 2024.
• Wait for the MBGL accreditation process in January 2025.

5. Validity Extensions for Current Accreditations

For HEIs whose existing accreditations (under RAF) expire between June 2024 and the launch of MBGL, the validity will be automatically extended until MBGL is available. This ensures no institution loses its accreditation status during the transition.

6. Submission Timelines

HEIs can continue to submit their Institutional Information for Quality Assessment (IIQA) and/or Self-Study Report (SSR) under the RAF process until June 30, 2024.

Summary

These reforms signal a shift towards a more inclusive, structured, and dynamic accreditation system. Institutions now have a clear pathway to ensure quality standards and sustained improvement in line with NEP 2020 goals.

If you’re managing accreditation for your institution, stay tuned for further details on the Binary Accreditation System and MBGL, which will define the future landscape of quality assessment in Indian higher education.