Pune: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is set to introduce a new evaluation method, which is likely to be implemented from April-May 2025. This decision follows concerns over malpractices in the accreditation process, prompting NAAC to revamp its evaluation framework.
New Framework: Binary and Maturity-Based Grading
NAAC has announced a new framework that will introduce:
Two-Tier (Binary) Evaluation: A simplified process for assessing institutions.
Maturity-Based Grading System: A structured ranking method based on institutional performance over time.
This restructuring comes in response to a recent bribery case involving an evaluation committee at a university, which led to a nationwide controversy. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was assigned to probe the matter, and NAAC responded by canceling the accreditation process for the university in question.
Radhakrishnan Committee’s Recommendations
To improve transparency, the Dr. Radhakrishnan Committee has submitted recommendations focusing on:
Eliminating fraudulent practices in the accreditation process
Enhancing technological tools for objective assessment
Strengthening institutional accountability in evaluations
A special committee has been appointed to finalize and implement the new evaluation process, ensuring fairness and accuracy in accreditation.
New Guidelines for Universities and Colleges
NAAC has also outlined new operational guidelines:
Universities and colleges must submit a structured annual evaluation plan to NAAC.
Surprise evaluations will be conducted twice within five years without prior notification.
Institutions will not be informed about the evaluation committee members beforehand.
NAAC will independently manage all arrangements for committee members.
The identities of committee members will remain confidential.
"If such structured planning is executed, the evaluation process will achieve true credibility," stated Dr. Arun Adsul, former Vice-Chancellor.