The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has officially announced a comprehensive NAAC Grading Policy Update, which will take effect starting October 2025. This major reform aims to modernize the college and university evaluation process by making it more transparent, data-driven, and student-outcome focused.
The updated NAAC Grading Policy Update is aligned with the broader educational reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and introduces new assessment metrics that go beyond infrastructure and faculty count. It places greater emphasis on teaching quality, research output, skill integration, digital adoption, and graduate success.
Why the NAAC Grading Policy is Being Updated
The NAAC Grading Policy Update has been introduced to respond to the changing landscape of higher education in India. With more institutions adopting blended learning, skill-based courses, and global teaching standards, the NAAC is evolving to capture the full spectrum of educational quality.
Key objectives of the update include:
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Promote outcome-based education and institutional accountability
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Focus on academic and research excellence over physical infrastructure
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Standardize grading across public, private, and autonomous institutions
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Encourage continuous quality improvement rather than one-time grades
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Integrate digital metrics like e-content, MOOC delivery, and LMS usage
The NAAC Grading Policy Update ensures that institutions are ranked not just by size, but by how well they prepare students for real-world success.
New Grading System Structure
Under the NAAC Grading Policy Update, institutions will now be graded using a 7-point scale (instead of 4), with scores based on 8 core criteria and 50+ sub-metrics. Each institution’s final grade will be a composite of both qualitative and quantitative indicators, with strong weightage given to student performance and research output.
| Grade | Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| A++ | 3.76 – 4.00 | Outstanding – Global Standard |
| A+ | 3.51 – 3.75 | Excellent |
| A | 3.01 – 3.50 | Very Good |
| B++ | 2.76 – 3.00 | Good |
| B+ | 2.51 – 2.75 | Above Average |
| B | 2.01 – 2.50 | Average |
| C | 1.51 – 2.00 | Below Average – Needs Improvement |
Institutions with a CGPA below 1.50 will be marked as ‘Not Accredited’, as per the NAAC Grading Policy Update.
Revised Evaluation Criteria for Colleges
The updated policy focuses on data-driven evaluation supported by third-party audit systems and student/alumni feedback. This ensures that NAAC accreditation becomes a dynamic, real-time process, not just a once-in-a-decade assessment.
Core revised evaluation parameters:
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Curricular Aspects: Flexibility, interdisciplinary offerings, CBCS
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Teaching-Learning: Faculty-student ratio, digital tools, skill courses
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Research and Innovation: Patents, publications, funded projects
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Student Outcomes: Placement, higher education, entrepreneurship
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Governance: Leadership, financial transparency, institutional vision
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Infrastructure: Digital classrooms, labs, inclusivity facilities
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Best Practices: Sustainability, social outreach, alumni engagement
All institutions applying for or renewing NAAC status after October 2025 must comply with the NAAC Grading Policy Update.
Institutions Already Adopting the New Format
Some of India’s top colleges and universities have already volunteered to pilot the new NAAC assessment format, and early results show improved clarity and performance tracking.
| Institution Name | Old Grade | New Evaluation Status (Trial) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi University | A+ | A++ |
| SRM University | A | A+ |
| Presidency University | B++ | A |
| Fergusson College, Pune | A | A |
| Amity University | A | A+ |
These institutions are leading by example, helping NAAC fine-tune the final rollout of the NAAC Grading Policy Update.
FAQs
What is the NAAC Grading Policy Update?
The NAAC Grading Policy Update is a revised evaluation framework introduced in 2025 that focuses on outcome-based education, research, and student development.
When will the new policy be effective?
The updated policy will come into effect from October 2025, for all new and renewal accreditation processes.
What is the new grading scale?
The NAAC Grading Policy Update introduces a 7-grade system ranging from A++ to C, with clearly defined CGPA bands.
Will digital tools and online teaching be assessed?
Yes, use of digital learning management systems, MOOC platforms, and e-content creation will carry significant weight under the NAAC Grading Policy Update.
How will student performance be evaluated?
Placement rates, higher education admissions, and entrepreneurial ventures are now key indicators of institutional quality under the NAAC Grading Policy Update.
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