The Uttar Pradesh government has set an ambitious target to elevate the quality of higher education in the state, aiming for at least 25% of the state’s colleges to secure the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation by the end of the 2025–26 academic year.
The major push is being driven by the concerted efforts of the Higher Education Department and the Uttar Pradesh State-Level Quality Assurance Cell (UP-SLQAC).
As part of the broader mission to improve the national ranking of higher education institutions, 1,000 colleges have already been shortlisted for NAAC evaluation. In a notable achievement, six universities in the state have already secured the prestigious A++ grade under the NAAC assessment. Building on this momentum, the government now aims to bring a quarter of the state’s colleges under the NAAC framework, officials here on Friday confirmed.
To streamline the accreditation process, the state has introduced a binary system that ensures a more transparent, simplified, and outcome-focused evaluation mechanism. This system will help institutions obtain timely approval and grading.
In line with this reform, the government is preparing to implement a new policy that will make timely and accountability-based NAAC evaluation mandatory for all eligible colleges and universities. Under this policy, institutions will be required to complete the assessment process within a defined timeframe.
Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay emphasized that this initiative, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is a strategic step towards enhancing the global credibility of Uttar Pradesh’s educational institutions.
He said the move will foster an improved academic environment, promote the recruitment of qualified faculty, and offer students access to nationally and internationally recognized institutions. This reform-oriented drive sets a benchmark for quality assurance, transparency, and technology integration in the higher education sector.
NAAC is an autonomous body funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is responsible for assessing and accrediting institutions of higher education in India. It evaluates universities and colleges based on criteria set by the UGC and assigns grades ranging from a minimum of 1.5 to a maximum of 4.
Institutions that receive an A++ grade are considered to have an excellent academic standard, while those rated ‘D’ are deemed non-compliant and ineligible for recognition.
NAAC accreditation plays a crucial role in providing students with reliable information about the quality of an institution. It helps them make informed decisions regarding aspects such as academic standards, research output, infrastructure, and overall learning environment.
Furthermore, NAAC grades influence the perceived value of degrees awarded by educational institutions and enhance their competitiveness at national and international levels.