NAAC’s new accreditation framework to prioritise outcomes over inputs
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is shifting its accreditation framework to prioritize institutional outcomes over documentation. The new system aims to measure tangible results like patents and student employability.
Why it matters
Represents a significant policy shift in Indian higher education quality assurance, moving toward performance-based metrics.
The new accreditation framework of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) will focus on institutional outputs and outcomes rather than inputs and documentation, said NAAC Executive Committee Chairman Nageshwar Rao.
Addressing a workshop on “Accreditation as a Quality Mandate” organised by the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE), in association with Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU) on Thursday, Prof. Rao said the new framework was being shaped by the recommendations of the 2024 Radhakrishnan Committee.
Under the proposed system, institutions would have to demonstrate tangible outcomes, such as commercially relevant patents and the number of skilled students produced, rather than merely furnishing documents.
Differentiated assessment formats and metrics would be introduced through Maturity-Based Graded Levels (MBGLs), replacing the common Self-Study Report, he said.
The new system would also place greater trust in institutions and reduce assessment timelines, he added.
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