According to the 2023 NIRF rankings, the number of institutions participating in accreditation processes has increased by 20 per cent since the introduction of the NEP 2020, highlighting a growing commitment to quality education.
Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, addressed the pivotal shift in India’s higher education system towards outcome-based education. With a nod to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he highlighted how institutions are now focussing on achieving specific program outcomes through meticulously designed courses and teaching methods.
However, a critical issue raised was the gap between theory and practice, where some institutions may rely on consultants to craft accreditation matrices without fully understanding or implementing the principles themselves. Sahasrabuddhe appealed to all heads of colleges to try to understand the nuances of their respective institutions and develop them. "You can be different from other institutions, but what you are claiming must be achieved," Sahasrabuddhe added.
Accreditation vs. Ranking: Understanding the Difference
Sahasrabuddhe clarified the distinct purposes of accreditation and ranking. While rankings compare similar institutions on a national or global scale, accreditation is about self-improvement and continuous growth. He stressed that accreditation should be viewed as a tool for institutions to benchmark themselves against their past performances, thereby fostering a culture of ongoing enhancement.
Our National Education Policy talks about three significant types of institutions. Research-intensive universities, teaching-intensive institutions, and degree-awarding institutions. An institution may transform from one category to another depending upon the vision of the institution. Whether an institution wants to transform itself from a research-intensive institution to a teaching-intensive institution, it is ultimately the decision of the board of the institution," he added further.
One Nation, One Data
Sahasrabuddhe addressed the upcoming changes in the accreditation process, particularly the introduction of a binary accreditation system. Institutions will soon be classified as either accredited or not, eliminating the pressure to achieve high grades solely for marketing purposes.
Sahasrabuddhe added that the data will undergo peer review, with ratings assigned based on its authenticity and accuracy. The credibility score will rise if the data is verified as authentic. Should evaluators provide biased inputs due to personal interests, they will be monitored, and such issues will be addressed. This process aims to make education more truthful and reliable.
The implementation of the "One Nation, One Data" initiative aims to streamline data submission, ensuring accuracy and authenticity across the board. “The system will be integrity-driven, and data by institutions will be shared with the NAAC. The institutions will also take care so that no one can challenge the data," he added further.
Enhancing India’s Educational Credibility
Educational reforms have contributed to the expansion of the system and enhanced performance worldwide. Sahasrabuddhe highlighted that by ensuring all institutions adhere to high standards of honesty and quality, India's educational system will gain credibility on the international stage. This, in turn, will enhance the employability of Indian graduates, both within the country and globally.
He concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholders to embrace these changes and work collectively towards a future where Indian education is synonymous with excellence and integrity. “Unless graduates are skill-orientated and full of integrity, we will not be able to provide jobs in the future. Accreditation is only the means to achieve Viksit Bharat," he added.
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