In the previous article, we learned what NAAC is all about. Here is the link for the same — Understanding NAAC: Enhancing Quality in Higher Education
This article discusses the parameters used by NAAC to assess Higher Education Institutions in India.
NAAC has significantly reformed its evaluation framework. The traditional 7-criteria system has been replaced by a new 10-Attribute framework under the Binary Accreditation model, organised across three layers: Input, Process, and Outcome. This shift moves away from narrative-heavy reporting to a data-driven, evidence-based assessment model.
For a full breakdown of these reforms, read — NAAC Guidelines: Major Changes & Updates
Input Attributes
(What the institution has — resources, faculty, infrastructure)
1. Curriculum Design Evaluates whether the institution’s curriculum is outcome-based, current, interdisciplinary, and aligned with industry and societal needs. Stakeholder participation in curriculum design is also assessed.
2. Faculty Resources Covers faculty qualifications, experience, faculty-student ratio, development programmes, and retention. Emphasis is placed on permanent faculty strength and continuous professional development.
3. Infrastructure Assesses physical infrastructure, learning resources, IT infrastructure, and library facilities available to support teaching, learning, and research.
4. Financial Resources & Management Evaluates the institution’s financial health, resource allocation, and utilisation — ensuring adequate investment in academic and operational activities.
Process Attributes
(How the institution works — teaching, research, governance)
5. Learning & Teaching Assesses teaching methodologies, faculty-student interactions, continuous evaluation, assessment practices, and alignment with Outcome-Based Education (OBE). Includes pedagogy diversity, use of technology, and student feedback mechanisms.
6. Research & Innovation Covers research output, publications, patents, innovation initiatives, and industry-academia linkages. From 2025, retracted publications attract penalties — making research integrity a scored parameter.
7. Governance & Administration Evaluates institutional leadership, organisational structure, transparency, decision-making processes, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
8. Extended Curricular Engagements Assesses extracurricular activities, community outreach, sustainability initiatives (including green campus practices), cultural programmes, and student participation beyond academics.
Outcome Attributes
(What the institution delivers — results, impact)
9. Student Outcomes Measures graduation rates, placement performance, higher studies progression, competitive exam results, and the overall employability of graduates.
10. Sustainability Outcomes Evaluates the institution’s contribution to environmental sustainability, social impact initiatives, and alignment with national and global sustainability goals — including SDG-linked activities.
All attributes are evaluated using a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics, categorised as Good, Concern, or Weak — replacing the old CGPA-based grading system. Data submitted is cross-verified against national databases such as AISHE, UDISE+, and NIRF, ensuring accuracy and integrity.
In summary, NAAC’s revised framework reflects a significant shift — from compliance-based reporting to outcome-driven, continuous quality improvement. These 10 attributes cover everything from curriculum and faculty to research integrity and sustainability, making NAAC accreditation a more comprehensive and credible measure of institutional excellence.
