Tuesday, 6 October 2015

ranking and grading

The new NIRF has 5 parameters for ranking institutions. The NAAC already had a similar framework of 7 criteria and I suppose the NBA had the same.  Is it now going to replace NAAC or do colleges have to go through inspections for NAAC, as well as for NIRF? One for ranking and one for grading?
As it is, some colleges have courses like BSc, BCom, BA, MSc MA and MBA. They have to be inspected and accredited by NAAC for BSc, BA, MSc, MA and by NBA for the MBA. Apart from this, the affiliating University inspects the college regularly to regularize the new courses, to conduct academic audit and so on. So practically, the college will be inspected a large number of times every year since the accrediting agencies grade a college for 3 years or at best 5 years.
One criterion put forth by NAAC is the last one entitled "Governance", which is missing in the NIRF. This is rather important for private institutions which are run by a single person. Of course on paper there may be boards and bodies, but only one man has any say and runs it like he would any other business-- maximize profit at any cost. One way to control these is to insist on an effective governing body with eminent academicians.  Of course, they may find ways to circumvent that too; money can do wonders.

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