University Grants Commission
The statutory body in the country that provides funds if required and ensures Indian institutes maintain quality standards while measuring up in terms of global educational trends is the University Grants Commission, popularly referred to as the UGC. This agency was founded under the Categorization of Universities (only) for Grant of Graded Autonomy Regulations, 2018. The UGC categorizes universities into three categories, namely – Category-I, Category-II and Category-III.
Category-I University is recognised if it satisfies one or more of the following:
- Should have been accredited by NAAC with a score of 3.51 or above;
- Should have received a corresponding accreditation grade/ score from a reputed accreditation agency as empanelled by the UGC; or,
- Should have been ranked among top 500 of reputed world rankings, such as Times Higher Education or QS.
Category-II University is recognised if it satisfies one or more of the following:
- Should have been accredited by NAAC with a score of 3.26 and above, upto 3.50; or,
- Should have received a corresponding accreditation grade / score from a reputed accreditation agency as empanelled by the UGC.
Category-III University is recognised if it doesn’t fall under the above two categories.
National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council is an autonomous body established by the University of Grants Commission (UGC) of India to assess and accredit higher educational institutes in the country. It is an outcome of the recommendations of the National Policy on Education (1986) which laid emphasis on upholding the quality of higher education in India. To promote the following core values among the HEIs of the country:
- Contributing to National Development
- Fostering Global Competencies among students
- Inculcating a Value System among students
- Promoting the Use of Technology
- Quest for Excellence
National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was approved by the Ministry of Education (formerly, Ministry of Human Resources and Development) in 2015. This framework has been outlined to rank Indian higher education institutions across the country. Indian institutes are ranked based on the following parameters:
- Teaching, Learning and Resources
- Research and Professional Practices
- Graduation Outcomes
- Outreach and Inclusivity
- Perception