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Quality Assurance

NAAC Scraps Physical Inspections to Curb Corruption, Moves to Virtual Accreditation

In a landmark decision aimed at eliminating corruption and improving transparency, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has announced an immediate suspension of physical inspections for colleges. Moving forward, all accreditation evaluations will be conducted online, replacing on-campus visits with virtual assessments. For universities, however, the transition will be hybrid—most inspections will occur remotely, but select reviewers will still visit campuses to ensure a level of direct oversight. The decision comes in the wake of the recent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Andhra Pradesh-based Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), where officials allegedly bribed NAAC inspectors to secure favorable ratings. In response, NAAC executive committee chairman Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe stated, “We are committed to rooting out corruption. Cancelling physical visits will address this issue significantly, as every evaluation will now be recorded.” NAAC director Ganesan Kannabiran described the move as a “surgical strike against graft.” He emphasized that as a quality assurance agency, NAAC is determined to uphold the integrity of the higher education system by preventing manipulative practices. Meanwhile, the much-anticipated basic (binary) accreditation model—originally scheduled for launch in July 2024—has been postponed to April-May 2025. The updated timeline will also introduce maturity-based graded levels (MBGL), a framework designed to encourage institutions to elevate their academic and research capabilities. With around 650 institutions currently in the accreditation queue, nearly 50% of them undergoing a second cycle will have the option to retain their existing grades until the new system is in place. First-time applicants, however, may choose the upcoming basic accreditation model. “Integrating these new frameworks with advanced IT-based assessments will enhance objectivity while eradicating unfair practices,” Sahasrabudhe affirmed. Source: TOI

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Experts dwell on NEP provisions at a Seminar on Quality Assurance in Higher Education “QAHE-2022” organised at Chitkara University

Accreditation and Quality Assurance Cell at Chitkara University, Punjab organised a National Seminar on Quality Assurance in Higher Education “QAHE-2022”. In this two days event, Education Experts deliberated on National Education Policy with a special focus on Quality Assurance in Higher Education. The event was organised in association with National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and Tata Tele Business Services. Eminent speakers in the seminar included Dr. R. K. Goel, Director-IQAC, Punjabi University, Patiala, Prof. (Retd.) L. N. Mittal, Formerly Professor at NITTTR, Chandigarh, Dr. Kawaljeet Singh, Director, University Computer Centre, Punjabi University, Patiala, Dr. Sandhir Sharma, Dean, Chitkara Business School; and Dr. V. K. Jadon, Dean-Academics, CUIET (Applied Engineering), Chitkara University, Punjab. On the occasion a souvenir with 91 research articles received from research scholars and faculty members on the topic “Quality Assurance in Higher Education” was also launched. In total 122 research articles were received and best were shortlisted for publication in this souvenir which will be scrutinised further for publication in the Scopus database. Sharing her views Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor Chitkara University said that we at Chitkara are always focused on the implementation of the NEP into the modern education system to meet the Industry 5.0 requirements. She gave her valuable insights about quality in higher education. She said that the most effective factor is human capital, expressed in the knowledge, skills, creative abilities, and moral qualities of individuals in society. Higher education institutions are increasingly viewed as economic engines by policy makers and seen as essential for ensuring knowledge production through research and innovation. She also shared her views about quality in higher education. She said that education is now considered as instrument of change, as change is happening quicker than in older times. Chitkara university is always focused on the multidisciplinary research and consultancy and so far university has published 4000+ Scopus articles which have more than 14000 citations. 1800 patents have been applied so far out of 300 patents have been published and 150 granted. On the occasion Dr. Goel discussed the role of accreditation agencies in improving the education system in higher educational institutes and how rankings contribute to imparting quality education and institutional growth. Dr. L.N. Mittal emphasised the role of teachers in improving the teaching-learning process. He suggested ways in which teachers could improve themselves and give their contributions to improving students by encouraging themselves for their career progression. Prof. Jadon discussed the importance of outcome-based education and further he elaborated on the concepts of PO and CO attainment and their importance in today’s education system. Dr. Sandhir Sharma enlightened us on curriculum-aspects, teaching-learning-evaluation, and teaching competency. Dr. Sharma’s explores the role of dialogue during the classroom. Dr. Sharma also explores the linkage between curriculum and accreditation as well as rankings. Dr. Kawaljeet Singh discussed the issues concerning e-Content Development in Online Learning Mode in the context of NEP 2020. All the presentations delivered by the candidates in the seminar were focused on the impact of accreditation agencies on the education system, how the education system transitioned itself to an online education system during COVID ’19, what are the after effects, and how NEP can contribute to strengthening the Indian education system. Chitkara University has been established and managed by passionate academicians with the sole mission of making each and every student “industry ready”. With more than 25,000 students and 1,700 staff from over 100 different countries, the university is proud of the impact that its graduates, life-changing research, and innovative campuses and industry developments have made – both in India and around the world. Chitkara University has been awarded the rating of A+ by the prestigious National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), which places it among the 5% of higher education institutions (HEIs) in India to be granted such a coveted grade.    

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