Governor CP Radhakrishnan Bagade recently stressed that higher education institutions must prioritise quality and go for NAAC accreditation to ensure academic credibility and transparency. Speaking at a state-level education event, he said that NAAC ratings play a crucial role in shaping the reputation of colleges and universities. He pointed out that many institutions still function without proper quality checks and urged them to treat accreditation not as an optional badge, but as a basic requirement.
I chose to write about this topic because discussions around quality in Indian higher education often stay limited to elite institutions, while many colleges in smaller towns still lag behind. Accreditation by bodies like NAAC is supposed to bring all institutions to a minimum standard, but many avoid it due to lack of awareness or hesitation over the process. With Governor Bagade openly advocating for quality and accreditation, it’s a reminder to both educators and students that good infrastructure, qualified teachers, and a transparent academic process are not extras—they are essentials. As someone who believes in equal educational opportunities, I think it’s high time we take these concerns seriously and demand better from our institutions.
Why NAAC Accreditation Matters
NAAC stands for the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. It evaluates and grades higher education institutions based on various parameters like:
- Curriculum quality
- Teaching and learning methods
- Infrastructure
- Student support systems
- Research and innovation
- Governance and best practices
Institutions with good NAAC grades are more likely to attract better faculty, more funding, and brighter students. It also boosts the chances of students getting recognised degrees and jobs, especially when applying abroad or for government positions.
What Governor Bagade Said
During his address, Governor Bagade made the following key points:
- Quality education is not negotiable in today’s times
- All colleges should undergo NAAC accreditation without delay
- Accreditation promotes trust, transparency, and academic excellence
- Institutions must regularly upgrade their curriculum and teaching methods
- Teachers should focus not just on marks but also on life skills
He added that quality should not be a one-time effort but a continuous process.
The Current Situation in India
As of 2024, out of more than 45,000 colleges and 1,000 universities in India, only a small percentage are NAAC-accredited. Many of these are private colleges in metros, while government colleges and rural institutions are still outside the loop. This gap in quality creates a deep divide in education access and outcomes.
Several states have started mandating NAAC accreditation, but implementation has been slow. The UGC has also encouraged institutions to go for NAAC grading as a part of NEP 2020 reforms.
Challenges Faced by Institutions
There are a few genuine reasons why many colleges avoid the NAAC process:
- Lack of trained staff to handle documentation
- Poor infrastructure
- Resistance to external audits
- Fear of getting a low grade
- Shortage of funding to implement quality upgrades
But these challenges should not be used as excuses. With proper guidance from state governments and active student participation, institutions can slowly move towards meeting the NAAC standards.
What Can Be Done
Here are some ways we can improve the current situation:
- State education departments should offer workshops on NAAC procedures
- Students can push for transparency in how their colleges operate
- Teachers and management must regularly review academic quality
- Government can link funding to accreditation status
- Alumni groups can support colleges in improving infrastructure and facilities
