NAAC Revamps Accreditation Following Bribery Case, Removes Hundreds of Assessors

the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is undergoing meaningful reforms after a bribery scandal and concerns about grade inflation prompted a thorough review of its processes. Recently,NAAC “axed around 900 of the 5,000 assessors who visit and evaluate higher education institutions before a NAAC grade is issued.” this move signals a commitment to restoring credibility and ensuring rigorous quality assessments.

CBI Examination Triggers Assessor Review

The impetus for this overhaul stemmed,in part,from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation. The CBI arrested 10 individuals on Febuary 1, 2025, in Andhra Pradesh, alleging bribery to secure favorable NAAC grades. The arrested included “six members of a NAAC inspection committee and office-bearers of the Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation.” This incident served as a catalyst for NAAC to scrutinize its assessor pool and evaluation methodologies.

Reasons for Assessor Removal

The dismissal of nearly 900 assessors was based on several factors, indicating a multi-pronged approach to quality control. According to sources, reasons included:

• Inactivity or unavailability for visits.
• Substandard report preparation.
• Unjustified high scores on parameters.
• Incomplete data availability.

These issues highlighted inconsistencies in the assessment process and raised doubts about the validity of some NAAC grades.

Addressing Grade Inflation

NAAC initiated a review of evaluations in April-May 2023,responding to concerns about excessive “A++ grades being given.” The council examined “the qualitative and quantitative aspects of grading” to identify discrepancies. This involved evaluating cases where institutions demonstrated a significant grade increase of “two grades or more in the second cycle” or received an “A++ in the very first cycle.” As an inevitable result, around 50% of approximately 400 reviewed institutions experienced a grade downgrade, demonstrating NAAC’s commitment to accurate and fair assessments.

Transition to Virtual and Hybrid Assessments

In a move to enhance efficiency and potentially reduce opportunities for misconduct, NAAC is transitioning to virtual and hybrid assessment models. “Instead of physical visits by the peer team, NAAC will switch to virtual visits for colleges and a hybrid system for universities in March,” according to sources. This change leverages technology to streamline evaluations while maintaining a degree of personal interaction where appropriate.

Binary Accreditation System on the Horizon

Looking ahead, NAAC is preparing to implement a “binary accreditation system” in May 2025. Instead of grades, institutions will be identified as ‘accredited’, ‘awaiting accreditation’, or ‘not accredited.’ This simplified system aims to provide a clearer, more straightforward indication of an institution’s quality standing. NAAC director Ganesan Kannabiran stated, “We are looking at continuous betterment. We are aiming to ensure that only on the day of the assessment should the institution know who is assessing, and the assessor will know which institution they are assessing.” This enhanced secrecy is designed to prevent any undue influence or bias in the assessment process.

Implications for Higher Education

These sweeping changes at NAAC have significant implications for higher education institutions in India. Stricter evaluation criteria,virtual assessments,and a binary accreditation system will likely increase the pressure on institutions to demonstrate quality and clarity. Educational leaders should proactively prepare for these changes by focusing on continuous improvement, rigorous self-assessment, and transparent reporting practices.

The measures NAAC is taking to improve its accreditation process are essential for maintaining the integrity of higher education standards. By addressing past shortcomings and embracing innovation, NAAC aims to foster a culture of excellence and accountability in Indian educational institutions. Institutions seeking accreditation should review their processes, ensure they are meeting all requirements, and prepare for a more rigorous evaluation.

Take Action: Review the NAAC guidelines and prepare your institution for the upcoming binary accreditation system to ensure continued recognition and success.

What are the potential challenges NAAC might face when transitioning to virtual and hybrid assessments?

Title: Rebuilding Trust: A Conversation with NAAC’s New Director, Dr. Meena Patel

Dr. Meena Patel on NAAC’s Conversion and the Future of Higher Education Accreditation

In the wake of recent controversies, the National Assessment and accreditation Council (NAAC) has embarked on a mission to restore confidence in its accreditation process. Dr. Meena Patel, NAAC’s new Director, sits down with Archyde to discuss the council’s reforms, upcoming changes, and the future of higher education accreditation in India.

Revamping the Assessor Pool: Ensuring Quality and Integrity

Archyde (ARC): dr. Patel, one of the first actions NAAC took was to “axe around 900 assessors.” Can you tell us more about this decision?

Dr.meena Patel (MP): Certainly. We conducted a extensive review of our assessor pool, looking at factors like activity levels, report quality, scoring patterns, and data availability. We’ve taken stringent action based on these findings to ensure only the most competent and reliable assessors remain.

Addressing Grade Inflation: A fair Assessment Gig

ARC: NAAC reviewed institutions that received ‘A++’ grades or showed significant improvement in recent cycles. What were the outcomes, and how will this prevent grade inflation moving forward?

MP: We identified several discrepancies during our review, leading to around 50% of institutions experiencing a grading downgrade. Moving forward, we’re enhancing our qualitative and quantitative evaluation processes to ensure fairness and consistency.

Embracing Technology: Virtual and Hybrid Assessments

ARC: NAAC is transitioning to virtual and hybrid assessments. How will this enhance the evaluation process, and are there any potential challenges?

MP: Technology enables streamlined, efficient evaluations. While we acknowledge potential challenges like cybersecurity and connectivity issues, we’re putting robust measures in place to mitigate these risks and ensure fairness.

Introducing the Binary Accreditation System: Simplifying Assessments

ARC: In May 2025, NAAC plans to implement a binary accreditation system. What are the benefits for institutions and students?

MP: This system provides clearer, more straightforward feedback. Institutions will be classified as ‘accredited’, ‘awaiting accreditation’, or ‘not accredited’, allowing students and stakeholders to make informed decisions.

Thoughts for Higher Education Institutions

ARC: What advice do you have for institutions navigating NAAC’s changes and preparing for the binary accreditation system?

MP: Institutions should focus on continuous improvement and rigorous self-assessment. The binary system will require them to demonstrate clear quality indicators, so proactive preparation is key.

Looking Ahead: NAAC’s Vision for Higher Education

ARC: Dr. Patel, what is NAAC’s vision for the future of higher education accreditation in India?

MP: Our vision is to create a robust, transparent, and fair accreditation process that fosters excellence and holds institutions accountable. We strive for a system that truly represents the quality of India’s higher education.