What is College Accreditation and Why it Matters
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When pursuing higher education, students may have listened about College accreditation. It is more than just a legal function. Understanding accreditation is vital for students in order to make effective decisions in the diverse range of higher education options.
Students can go through this blog as it comprises details on what is College accreditation and its importance in India in a clear manner.
Contents
What is College Accreditation ?
College accreditation is based on the independent assessment of educational Institutions or programmes against a specific set of criteria. This process is carried out by an accreditation body to ensure the quality & standard of education.
Colleges’ courses, faculty, and resources are monitored by a multi-layered process to measure students’ learning outcomes. Understanding what is College accreditation is the first step towards making an informed educational decision.
Types of Accreditation for Colleges, Institutes & Universities in India
In India, several key bodies are responsible for the University / Institute / College accreditation of higher education Institutions; some of these are listed-below:
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University Grants Commission (UGC)
The University Grants Commission (UGC) was created by the Government of India as a legal body under the Act of Parliament in 1956. Specifically, it has the accountability for organising and setting high standards of higher education. It recognises and allocates funds to Universities and Colleges in India.
The UGC recognition is important for all Universities and their affiliated Colleges / Institutes to function and grant legitimate Degrees. Opting for a UGC-approved Institution ensures that the degree is acknowledged and widely recognised for future studies or employment. This is a basic aspect of what is College accreditation.
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NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council)
NAAC is an independent organisation created by the UGC. Its goal is to evaluate and approve the “Quality Status” of India’s Higher Education Institutions (HEI). NAAC accreditation is a voluntary process for certain Institutions but it has become crucial in building credibility and attracting students. Understanding the basic concept of NAAC will help students understand more about what is College accreditation.
In order to obtain NAAC accreditation, the Institution carries out a strict assessment on multiple standards. The NAAC awards the educational Institution on grading systems such as (A++), A+, A, B++, B, C & D (Higher grades denote quality of education).
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National Board of Accreditation (NBA)
National Board of Accreditation (NBA) is a self-governing body which checks and approves the technical education programs in India. Its goal is to maintain and improve education in fields like Architecture, Management Science, Pharmacy Sciences, Engineering & Technology, and others.
The NBA accredits programmes to ensure that they meet high-quality standards which can lead to more job opportunities and Global recognition for their Degrees. Students who know what is College accreditation by NBA will more likely to opt for the right Institution as per their course.
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All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
The AICTE, a regulatory body which ensures quality education through accreditation & funding in specific disciplines such as Engineering, Technology, Management, Pharmacy, Architecture programmes, and so on. Moreover, AICTE accreditation helps align the courses with the industry requirements for the betterment of the students.
Students interested in pursuing technical education should seek admission in the College / Institute / University which is accredited by AICTE. Understanding the concept of what is College accreditation by AICTE will enable students to make the right decision about the Institution to pursue higher studies.
Other Professional Councils Providing Accreditation
Below-given are the other professional councils which accreditate educational Institiutions on the basis of different criteria:
| Council | Accreditates To |
| National Medical Commission (NMC) | ● For Medical Education (BAMS, MBBS, BDS, etc.). |
| Bar Council of India (BCI) | ● For Law Courses (LLB, LLM, and more). |
| Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) | ● For Pharamcy Programs (B.Pharm, D.Pharma, and others). |
| National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) | ● For Teacher Education (B.Ed, M.Ed, etc.). |
Top 5 Importance of College Accreditation and Why it Matters
Below-listed importance will provide clarity to the students on what is College accreditation & why it matters:
- Quality of Education: It ensures that the Institution and its programmes meet Global standards. This means that students can be confident that the syllabus is revised regularly, the faculty are experts in their fields, and the resources available to them are effective in providing a rich learning experience. Quality of education is one of the key benefits of accredited Colleges / Institutes / Universities.
- Career Opportunities: An accreditation enhances the reputations of the Institutes which aid them in maintaining a strong network with the leading companies to facilitate excellent career opportunities to the students.
- Increases Credibility: Many employers specifically require specialised degrees from accredited programmes for certain positions. This highlights the practical importance of College accreditation in India.
- Scholarships: A number of Government and private scholarships are only available to the students who are enrolled in accredited Institutions. This gives them an advantage over other students from non-accredited Colleges / Institutes / Universities.
- Transfer of Credits: Recognised Institutions make it easier for the students to transfer their earned academic credits from one to another Institution without any problem. Facilitating a smooth progression without any academic loss. Knowing how to check College accreditation can prevent future academic roadblocks.
How to Check College Accreditation Effectively
It’s crucial to have all the information of a College before deciding on a programme. To get a complete check of what is College accreditation of any particular Institution, students can consider the below-given points:
- Interested students can navigate the official website of the respective accreditation bodies in order to check the accreditation status of their desired Institution.
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- Students can visit the respective Instiution’s official website, as they will feature their accreditation status on that.
Also Check: Top Colleges in India
Conclusion
The importance of College accreditation in India cannot be overstated. When exploring, always prioritise those Institutions that have proper University / Institute / College recognition in India. Students should look for the Institutions that are accredited with bodies like NAAC, NBA, UGC, and others as it ensures the quality of education. Knowing what is College accreditation, will empower students to make rational decisions for their academic future.
