The landscape of higher education accreditation in India is undergoing a seismic shift following the NAAC’s Urgent Notification on February 8, 2025. This announcement has introduced new accreditation models—Basic (Binary) Accreditation and Maturity-Based Graded Levels (MBGL)—designed to enhance transparency, curb malpractice, and improve the quality of assessment.
Download the NAAC Notification Here: https://67148bbb-f988-46b8-9336-51579a5884aa.usrfiles.com/ugd/67148b_ab61c05b2e8045adad192c66fb7a611b.pdf
However, this shift has been catalysed by troubling revelations. The recent CBI investigation into accreditation malpractices has exposed severe loopholes in the system. While NAAC has taken strict actions against one institution and its peer review team, these steps are merely the beginning.
A larger, more comprehensive investigation is essential to identify other potential cases of misconduct, particularly among institutions that received A++, A+, and A grades in the past five years.
For those who want a deeper understanding of the CBI case and the related accreditation issues, refer to my previous articles:
The Recent NAAC Bribery Arrests Are Just the Tip of the Iceberg – Every A++, A+, and A Grade is Questionable and Needs a CBI Audit: https://www.deepeshdivakaran.com/post/the-recent-naac-bribery-arrests-are-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-every-a-a-and-a-grade-is-ques
Exclusive: How KLEF Masterminded NAAC Bribery – Insider Details You Won’t Find Anywhere Else: https://www.deepeshdivakaran.com/post/exclusive-how-klef-masterminded-naac-bribery-insider-details-you-won-t-find-anywhere-else
Exclusive: How KLEF Masterminded NAAC Bribery – Insider Details You Won’t Find Anywhere Else: https://www.deepeshdivakaran.com/post/the-naac-scam-no-one-talks-about-every-a-a-and-a-grade-is-up-for-sale-and-the-whole-system-ne
In this article, I outline an action plan for HEIs preparing for NAAC accreditation under this evolving framework. Given the urgency of these reforms, institutions must adopt a proactive and strategic approach to ensure compliance and maintain their credibility in the accreditation process.
Action Plan for HEIs Applying for NAAC Accreditation
The NAAC Press Release on February 8, 2025, introduced an Urgent Notification detailing the transition to Basic (Binary) Accreditation and Maturity-Based Graded Levels (MBGL). This move is intended to refine the assessment process, improve transparency, and eliminate scope for malpractice.
As per sources, NAAC will be significantly more cautious in upcoming accreditation cycles, making it increasingly difficult for institutions applying under the existing RAF system. The scrutiny levels are expected to rise, and institutions must be prepared for a more rigorous evaluation process.
Additionally, it is predicted that MBGL will introduce tougher reforms and stricter assessment criteria, ensuring a higher degree of accountability and institutional quality. HEIs must take immediate steps to align with these evolving standards to safeguard their accreditation status and institutional credibility.
Given the evolving accreditation landscape, institutions must act decisively to protect their credibility and ensure compliance.
Below is my strategic plan for institutions to navigate this transition effectively:
Action Plan for HEIs for NAAC Accreditation: Every institution is at a different stage in their accreditation journey. The impact of NAAC's latest reforms will vary based on their current accreditation status, making it essential to tailor strategies accordingly. Whether an institution is nearing the expiration of its accreditation, preparing for Cycle 2, applying for the first time, or seeking to improve its grade, each case requires a unique and proactive approach.
Download PDF Version of Infographic Here: http://deepeshdivakaran.com/downloadnaacactionplan
Here’s how institutions should proceed under the new accreditation framework:
1. Institutes with Accreditation Validity Beyond 6 Months
Institutions that have more than six months before their accreditation expires may feel they have ample time, but this is a critical period to strategize and adapt to the new framework. Given the heightened scrutiny post-February 2025, waiting until the last moment could be detrimental. These institutions should use this time to strengthen compliance, documentation, and governance structures to align with NAAC’s evolving standards.
Recommended Actions:
Do not remain complacent; start preparing for MBGL immediately.
Establish internal audit teams to rigorously evaluate compliance with NAAC’s evolving expectations.
Ensure all documentation and institutional data are digitized and accessible.
Conduct mock NAAC evaluations internally to test readiness for the new system.
Initiate faculty training programs focused on updated accreditation requirements.
2. Institutes with NAAC Cycle 2 Due Within 6 Months
Institutes that are due for their NAAC Cycle 2 accreditation within the next six months face a critical window for preparation. With heightened scrutiny from NAAC and tougher reforms on the horizon, these institutions must act swiftly and strategically.
The transition to a hybrid accreditation process (online + physical visits) will demand seamless documentation, compliance, and governance standards.
Institutions that fail to adapt to these changes risk facing delays, complications, or even potential rejections. Immediate action is necessary to ensure compliance with the evolving NAAC framework and to safeguard the institution’s reputation in the long run.
Recommended Actions:
Prepare for the likelihood of a hybrid accreditation process (online + physical visits).
Focus on demonstrating qualitative improvements over your previous accreditation.
Invest in advanced IT infrastructure to handle virtual assessments effectively.
Conduct external validation of institutional claims by independent experts.
Ensure faculty, students, and stakeholders are aligned with accreditation expectations.
As per sources, NAAC will be significantly more cautious moving forward, making accreditation under the RAF system increasingly difficult. Given the heightened scrutiny and the anticipated tougher reforms under MBGL, I strongly advise institutions to consider waiting for the new Binary Accreditation model, which offers a safer and more transparent pathway while safeguarding long-term institutional credibility.
3. Institutes Seeking Fresh NAAC Accreditation
For institutions applying for NAAC accreditation for the first time, the process has become more complex and challenging due to the recent changes. The introduction of Basic (Binary) Accreditation and Maturity-Based Graded Levels (MBGL) means that institutions must carefully plan their application strategy. Given NAAC’s increased scrutiny and the potential for tighter evaluation criteria, new applicants must demonstrate a strong foundation in governance, compliance, and quality assurance to stand a fair chance in the accreditation process.
Recommended Actions:
I strongly recommend opting for the new Basic Accreditation model, as it provides a safer and more transparent pathway while safeguarding the institution’s credibility in the long run.
If opting for RAF, ensure meticulous documentation and preparation for online/hybrid evaluations.
Establish a structured mentorship program by partnering with well-accredited institutions.
Ensure governance policies are transparent, robust, and aligned with NAAC guidelines.
Prioritize long-term credibility and institutional reputation over short-term accreditation gains.
4. Institutes Seeking to Improve Their Last NAAC Grade
Institutions that have previously undergone NAAC accreditation but are unsatisfied with their current grade must approach this as an opportunity for strategic enhancement. With the latest reforms, NAAC evaluations are expected to become more rigorous, making it crucial for these institutions to demonstrate substantial and measurable improvements in key areas. A well-structured plan focusing on academic quality, research output, and institutional transparency will be vital for securing a better accreditation outcome.
Recommended Actions:
Perform an in-depth root cause analysis of shortcomings in the last accreditation cycle.
Strengthen research output, faculty qualifications, and student satisfaction metrics.
Engage in active industry collaborations and skill-development programs.
Conduct third-party audits to validate self-assessment reports.
Maintain transparency in governance to ensure compliance with ethical standards.
I strongly advise institutions to consider waiting for the new Binary Accreditation model, which offers a safer and more transparent pathway while safeguarding long-term institutional credibility.
5. Other Scenarios & Special Cases
While most institutions fall into the major categories outlined above, some unique cases require special attention. Institutions that have previously been denied accreditation, autonomous institutions, and deemed universities all face distinct challenges in navigating the new NAAC framework. The heightened scrutiny and evolving evaluation criteria demand a well-thought-out approach to ensure compliance and credibility. Below are my specific recommendations for these cases.
For Institutions Previously Denied Accreditation:
Address identified shortcomings with concrete and measurable improvements.
Focus on compliance with NAAC’s core quality assurance parameters.
For Autonomous Institutions & Deemed Universities:
Prepare for stricter evaluation criteria under the upcoming MBGL system.
Strengthen governance mechanisms and build credibility through research and innovation.
Final Recommendations
Be proactive, not reactive—NAAC’s changes demand early preparation and swift action.
Leverage technology and data analytics to enhance transparency and credibility.
Conduct independent accreditation readiness assessments to identify institutional gaps.
Ensure ethical compliance and institutional integrity to avoid future scrutiny.
Stay informed and adaptable—closely monitor NAAC updates and framework changes.
The coming months are critical for HEIs, and only those who act strategically and decisively will emerge stronger from this transition. Institutions must not see this as an administrative hurdle but as an opportunity to align with global best practices in higher education accreditation.
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Explained very clearly on the Binary Tyoe Accreditation Process.
Thanks sir.
Very nicely explained