NAAC is an autonomous body of University Grants Commission (UGC) meant to assess and accredit higher education institutions in the country. As per the figures revealed by the state higher education secretary, T Venkatesh, only one of the 12 universities in the state is NAAC accredited.
Out of 3553 colleges in UP, only 272 have a valid NAAC grading. The self finance colleges, which claim imparting the best education, have in fact, turned out to be the biggest defaulters with only 188 of 3085 such colleges being accredited by NAAC. The government colleges too stay behind, and only 17 out of 137 having NAAC grading.
Among 331 government aided colleges, only 67 enjoy NAAC rating. Besides, 324 colleges and 2 universities have submitted the letter of intent for NAAC inspection. Also, 149 colleges have presented a self-Study Report (SSR) to NAAC.
In order to improve things, Venkatesh said that the state government aims to get 400 higher education institutions accredited by NAAC till 2012-13. Expressing concern over the dismal numbers of NAAC accredited institutions in UP, deputy advisor NAAC, MS Shyamsundar said, "UP's performance in terms of NAAC rated institutions is no satisfactory. The state government will have to play an active role in ensuring higher education institutions undergo NAAC assessment".
On the basis of the performance, NAAC rates the institution by providing Grade Point Average (CGPA). Institutions securing 3.01-4.00 CGPA are given A grade which describes its performance as very good.
Similarly, institutions between 2.01-3.00 CGPA are awarded grade B which means good. Those between 1.51-2.00 CGPA are given grade C which mean satisfactory, while those below 1.51 CGPA get grade D which means unsatisfactory performance.