India’s higher education accreditation system is undergoing a major transformation, adopting a new binary accreditation system as part of the National Education Policy 2020’s goal to achieve a 50 percent Gross Enrolment Ratio by 2035.
India’s higher education accreditation system is undergoing a major transformation, adopting a new binary accreditation system as part of the National Education Policy 2020’s goal to achieve a 50 percent Gross Enrolment Ratio by 2035.
The traditional method of grading during accreditation has been replaced with a new binary system, as part of the recent overhaul of the accreditation system for higher education institutions in India.
Currently, institutions are classified simply as “accredited” or “not accredited.” This transformation is a key component of a larger initiative aimed at elevating the quality of Indian HEIs to meet global standards.
Binary accreditation System
The revision stems from the National Education Policy 2020, which aims for a 50 percent Gross Enrolment Ratio by 2035. To achieve this ambitious target, the Ministry of Education formed a committee in November 2022 under the leadership of K Radhakrishnan, former chairman of ISRO and chairperson of the Standing Committee of IIT Council. After extensive public consultation, the committee presented its final recommendations to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Jan. 16.
Among the recommendations is the introduction of a binary accreditation system, aligning with global best practices. This approach does away with the previous grading system and instead categorizes HEIs simply as accredited or not. This move is expected to streamline the accreditation process and set clear standards for institutions.
Maturity-based graded accreditation
For those achieving accreditation, a novel Maturity-Based Graded Accreditation system will be implemented, where institutions are rated on a scale from Level 1 to Level 5. The highest level, Level 5, is reserved for “Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education”. This framework aims to inspire continuous improvement and excellence among HEIs.
The new accreditation model emphasizes a holistic evaluation, considering processes, outcomes, and impact rather than just input metrics. It acknowledges the diversity of Indian HEIs, allowing for a more tailored approach that respects each institution’s unique orientation, vision, and legacy. Special emphasis is placed on supporting institutions in rural and remote locations through mentoring and guidance.
One Nation One Data Platform
Additionally, a “One Nation One Data Platform” is proposed to ensure data integrity and transparency in the accreditation process. This platform is designed for cross-checking the authenticity of institutional data used for accreditation, approval, and ranking purposes. In a move to enhance data validity and reliability, the process will also incorporate stakeholder validation, integrating various stakeholders directly into the accreditation and ranking system.
These reforms represent a significant step in aligning India’s higher education system with global standards, fostering an environment of excellence and continuous improvement among Indian HEIs.
