NAAC Launches 'Handholding Program' to Support Accreditation of HEIs

  • CalendarOn April 13, 2023

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has taken a significant step to improve the quality of higher education in India by introducing a 'handholding program' aimed at supporting Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the accreditation process. This initiative has been launched in response to the fact that more than 70% of HEIs in India lack NAAC accreditation. 

The handholding program is designed to provide HEIs with the necessary support and guidance to identify areas for improvement and enhance their overall performance, ensuring that all HEIs in India meet the required standards of academic excellence and quality education.  

Prof. S C Sharma, director of NAAC, has announced that there will be at least two handholding programs conducted in every state and union territory in India in the coming months. These programs are intended to sensitize educational institutions about the different phases of the NAAC assessment and accreditation process. Free workshops will be organized to provide hands-on training to principals, vice-chancellors, and other designated heads of higher education institutions. Participants will gain practical experience regarding the application formalities and necessary documentation to be submitted on the relevant portal.

Under the program, NAAC will assign a mentor to each participating HEI. The mentor will work closely with the institution to assess its current performance and identify areas where improvements can be made. The mentor will also provide guidance on how to develop a quality improvement plan and implement it effectively.

The Benefits of the Handholding Program for HEIs

Accreditation is a rigorous process that requires institutions to meet a wide range of quality standards. By participating in the handholding program, HEIs can identify potential issues and address them before undergoing the formal accreditation process.

Second, the program helps improve the quality of higher education in India as NAAC will work closely with HEIs to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance their performance, ultimately leading to better outcomes for students and a more skilled workforce in India. 

Finally, the handholding program encourages more HEIs to participate in the accreditation process. By providing support and guidance to HEIs, NAAC is making it easier for more institutions to achieve accreditation and reap the benefits that come with it.

In conclusion, the handholding program introduced by NAAC is a welcome initiative that will help improve the quality of higher education in India. By providing support and guidance to HEIs, NAAC is making it easier for more institutions to achieve accreditation and ensuring that they meet the highest standards of quality. This will ultimately benefit students, institutions, and the economy as a whole.

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