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A binary and multi-tier recognition system instead of grades, an outcome-based approach instead of an input-centric process, classification of institutions instead of a one-size-fits-all model, and data sets through ‘One Nation One Data’ Transparency. ‘ These are among the major reforms to be implemented by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) while grading colleges and universities in the country, according to the final report released by the Ministry of Education (MOE) on Saturday.
The ministry on Saturday released the final version of the ‘Reforms to Strengthen Assessment and Accreditation in Higher Education Institutions’ (HIE) report. This draft was placed in the public domain in May 2023 for public feedback.
The final report was submitted to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan this year, which he accepted on January 16.
recommendations
The report recommends a binary accreditation system (either accredited or unaccredited) instead of grades to encourage all institutions to engage in the accreditation process, thereby creating a quality culture in the higher education system.
The reforms also include maturity-based graded accreditation, which means multiple levels of grading – Levels 1-5 – allowing accredited institutions to raise their standards, continually improve, and develop depth or breadth in subjects from ‘Level 1’. To encourage. Up to ‘Level 4’ as institutions of national excellence, and then up to ‘Level 5’ i.e. institutions of global excellence for multi-disciplinary research and education.
execution
The reforms recommended in the final report will be implemented by NAAC in two phases – binary system in the next four months and maturity-based (multi-tier) system from December 2024 – as decided by the NAAC Executive Committee in its 104th meeting. . On 27th January.
“In the first phase, binary recognition will be implemented in the next four months and thereafter no new applications will be accepted as per the present methodology. Institutions that have already applied and are applying in the next four months will have the option to either go through the current process or the new method,” the report said.
The maturity-based graded level will be implemented by December 2024.
The report was prepared by a comprehensive committee led by K Radhakrishnan, former Chairman of ISRO and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the IIT Council, in November 2022 to propose transformative reforms to strengthen the assessment and accreditation of higher education institutions in India. Was.
The committee was formed to propose reforms after several irregularities were found in the accreditation system.
“The level accreditation will enable Indian institutions to significantly improve their quality and position themselves among the global top institutions,” the report said.
The Panel recommends that metrics for both binary and multi-level graded recognition will focus on processes, outcomes and impact rather than being solely an input-centric exercise.
Also, it said, the new process will take into account the ‘heterogeneity’ of HEIs in the country and classify them on the basis of orientation, heritage, heritage along with other characteristics rather than a ‘one size fits all’ model .
The panel also recommends special attention to institutions located in rural and remote areas.
‘One Nation One Data’
News18 had reported earlier this month that the ministry is working on a ‘One Nation One Data’ platform to ensure authenticity of data through verification from various stakeholders.
“The new platform will capture supersets of data from HEIs for various purposes (approval, accreditation, ranking) with an in-built design for collateral cross-checking to check the authenticity of the data,” the ministry said in a statement. ”
Additionally, it said, “stakeholder validation” has been proposed to effectively integrate stakeholders as part of the validation and ranking process to improve the validity and reliability of the data. The system will be based on trust and data driven with minimal visits to any institution for verification; However, any incorrect data submission by institutions may result in heavy fines.
Additionally, there will be provision for customized rankings based on stakeholders such as industry, funding agencies, students, etc.
The reforms are proposed with strategic intent in line with the vision of NEP 2020 to adopt a simple, trust-based, reliable, objective and rational system for approval, recognition and ranking of HEIs with a technology-driven modern system. Can replace or reduce manual participation to make the recognition process transparent and integrate stakeholders’ input.
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