Patliputra University (PPU) has formulated a comprehensive plan to prioritize the accreditation of its constituent and affiliated colleges by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), amid a growing emphasis on quality assurance and academic standards in higher education institutions.
Current Accreditation Status
According to PPU registrar Abu Bakar, a total of 20 colleges under the university, including two affiliated colleges, have already secured NAAC accreditation. “Besides, nearly 10 other colleges are currently preparing for their first-cycle accreditation,” he said, adding that a cell has been established at the university headquarters to closely monitor progress.
Challenges in the Accreditation Process
However, the process has slowed considerably due to uncertainty surrounding the opening of the NAAC portal for submission of the self-study report (SSR), a mandatory requirement for accreditation assessment. “Several colleges are reportedly waiting for fresh directions from the NAAC headquarters in Bengaluru before proceeding further,” the registrar said.
In addition, college principals and internal quality assurance cell (IQAC) coordinators noted that in the absence of clear operational guidelines from the NAAC office, institutions are finding it difficult to move ahead with the accreditation process. “Though NAAC shifted to a binary accreditation system in 2024, replacing the earlier CGPA-based grading pattern with only two outcomes, ‘accredited’ or ‘not accredited’, detailed procedural norms are yet to be fully clarified to many colleges,” he said.
Efforts to Improve Academic Infrastructure
Since its establishment in March 2018, PPU has been making sustained efforts to improve academic infrastructure, governance, and institutional quality in order to bring more colleges under the NAAC framework. “The colleges which have already completed their first cycle of NAAC accreditation are facing difficulties in applying for the second cycle due to the non-functional portal and lack of updated guidelines from the accrediting agency,” Bakar said.
Previous Accreditation Results
According to sources, of the 20 PPU accredited colleges, A N College has been awarded grade A+, and College of Commerce, Arts and Science secured grade ‘A’. While 11 others secured grade ‘B’ and seven were awarded grade ‘C’ during the previous assessment.
Need for Timely Clarification
Meanwhile, PPU academics believe that timely clarification from NAAC and restoration of the portal facility would help colleges expedite the accreditation process, which is increasingly becoming essential for academic credibility, availing financial grants, and institutional development.
