Impact of NAAC Accreditation on Quality Improvement of Higher Education Institutions in India: A Case Study in the State of Karnataka

Ravikumar K; Sasmitarani Samanta; Amiya Kumar Rath

Ravikumar K Research Scholar, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha and Semi Professional Assistant, NAAC, Bengaluru, India
Sasmitarani Samanta Professor of Management and Pro-Vice Chancellor, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Amiya Kumar Rath Adviser, NAAC, Bengaluru, India

Keywords: Quality, Assessment & Accreditation, Higher Education Institutions, Impact of NAAC

Abstract

The term “Quality” is a measurable attribute that is universal and most essential for each and everything in our life. Quality in higher education is a conceptual term, which is very difficult to comprehend. This can only be measured through valid and reliable benchmarks. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is a premier agency in India to assess and accredit the quality levels in the Higher Education Institutions (HEI). It works under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and evaluates the quality performance of HEIs using well-defined benchmarks. There are many types of HEIs in the country like Universities, Colleges, Medical Colleges, Engineering Colleges, etc., which are producing graduates every year. But the most important for any HEI is to mold a good human resource for the country with high ethical values to compete in the global challenging environment and they should be accountable for the social, economic, and technical development of the nation. Hence, the HEIs play an important role in the overall development of any country.

This case study is an attempt to understand the relation or the inter-dependence between the NAAC and the HEIs. It is also an effort to understand the mindset of the HEIs towards NAAC assessment and its importance. To achieve this objective an exclusive tool containing questions to know about the socio-economic and geographical status of the HEI and its experience towards NAAC assessment and accreditation process was framed and sent to the 50 randomly selected accredited institutions in the state of Karnataka. The response was good and analysis of the data reveals, there is a close relationship between the quality initiatives of HEI and the NAAC evaluation. The study also provides a way for further analysis to conclude about the importance of NAAC accreditation for HEIs in maintaining, sustaining, and improving their quality. If the study is extended with a big sample size, the outcome will be more reliable and helpful to the stakeholders of the society. This paper highlights the impact of NAAC accreditation on different dimensions of HEIs.