New Accreditation Reforms for IITs and HEIs

May 20, 2023

A recent government panel report on accreditation and rankings in higher education institutes (HEIs) has put forth a comprehensive proposal to enhance the evaluation and assessment processes. The recommendations aim to bring Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other HEIs into a new national accreditation regime.

Expanding the Accreditation Framework

The primary objective of the proposed framework is to draw in more HEIs into the accreditation and ranking system. The report suggests categorizing HEIs into six distinct categories based on their orientation, vision, and specialization. This approach aims to create a more nuanced and inclusive evaluation system.

Transitioning to a Holistic Assessment System

The proposed framework seeks to replace the existing accreditation regimes with a more holistic assessment approach. The report suggests a binary Accreditation System that classifies institutions as ‘Accredited,’ ‘Awaiting Accreditation,’ or ‘Not Accredited.’ This clear-cut system will provide a standardized evaluation criterion for HEIs.

Encouraging IITs to Participate

To ensure the participation of IITs in the new accreditation regime, the report suggests considering their statutory dispensations while nudging them to come on board. This collaborative effort will strengthen the accreditation process by incorporating the expertise and reputation of IITs.

Embracing Technology for Evaluation

The report proposes replacing the manual/physical inspection regime with a technology-driven assessment system. This modern approach will rely on genuine data validation and feedback from students, teachers, alumni, industry partners, and other stakeholders. The aim is to eliminate subjectivity and bias, ensuring a fair evaluation of HEIs.

Reaccreditation and Continuous Improvement

To simplify the accreditation process, the report suggests reaccreditation cycles occurring once every three years instead of annually. This adjustment will allow institutions to focus on quality enhancement and in-depth evolution of their educational programs.

Empowering Accredited Institutions

Accredited institutions are expected to raise their standards and strive for excellence. The proposed framework encourages these institutions to evolve in terms of depth, breadth, and research capabilities. The objective is to transform them into institutes of national and global prominence.

Timeline for Implementation

The new framework is anticipated to be fully implemented from January 1, 2024. This timeline aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and the establishment of the National Accreditation Council as part of the Higher Education Commission of India.

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