Why in news?
During the academic year 2025‑26, no university or college in India received fresh accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The pause occurred because the higher‑education regulator is overhauling its accreditation framework under the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill.
Background
NAAC was established in 1994 by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to assess and accredit higher‑education institutions. It evaluates institutions on curriculum, teaching, research, infrastructure, student support and governance. Accreditation is voluntary but increasingly important for funding and reputation. Less than 20 percent of India’s colleges and universities currently hold NAAC accreditation.
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill seeks to create a single Higher Education Commission of India to oversee regulation, accreditation and academic standards. It proposes separate councils for regulation, accreditation and standards that will replace existing bodies such as the UGC, AICTE and National Council for Teacher Education. The overhaul aims to simplify governance, improve quality and reduce duplication.
Issues and transition
- Temporary halt: NAAC stopped taking new applications while the accreditation process is being redesigned. Officials expect the system to restart once guidelines under the new law are finalised.
- Corruption concerns: A central bureau investigation into alleged bribery for granting higher grades has further delayed accreditation. The new framework promises stricter oversight and digital processes to minimise human discretion.
- Gap in quality assurance: With no fresh accreditations, some institutions may face difficulties accessing grants or attracting students. However, existing grades remain valid during the transition.
- Future model: Accreditation may become mandatory and continuous, with emphasis on outcomes such as research productivity, teaching quality and employability. Peer‑review teams could be supplemented by data analytics and student feedback.
Significance
- Raising standards: A uniform, transparent accreditation system can motivate institutions to improve academic quality and governance.
- Streamlining governance: Consolidating multiple regulators into one commission reduces overlap and clarifies accountability.
- Enhancing credibility: Addressing allegations of irregularities can restore confidence in accreditation outcomes.
Conclusion
The revamp of NAAC reflects India’s ambition to modernise its higher‑education system. While the pause in accreditation poses short‑term challenges, a robust and transparent framework under the proposed Higher Education Commission could lead to better quality and global recognition of Indian universities.
Source: The New Indian Express
