The University Grants Commission (UGC) has made NAAC a mandate by 2022. Institutes, colleges, and universities are using NAAC as a yardstick to authenticate their quality standards. Therefore NAAC accreditation has a unique process with a Self-study Report that drills down to achieving institutional excellence. By the time an institute becomes NAAC-ready, it is chiselled to perfection.

NAAC process is carried out in three stages –

• Institutional Information for Quality Assessment (IIQA) and Self-Study Report (SSR)
• Student Satisfaction Survey (SSS) and Data Validation & Verification (DVV)
• Peer Team Report (PTR) & Institutional Grading

In this BLOG, we will focus on SSR related aspects….

 The most important step in the process of assessment and accreditation is the preparation of the SSR by the institution. Institutions should follow the guidelines provided by NAAC while preparing the SSR and ensure that it contains the following:

• Evidences of
  • Contribution into the core values
  • building from the strengths identified by the institution
• Actions taken to rectify the deficiencies recognized by the institution
• Efforts made by the institution towards quality enhancement
• Future plans of the institution for enhancing quality

SSR Structure:

a) Preface or Cover Letter from the Head of the Institution
b) Executive Summary – The ‘Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Constraints’ (SWOC) analysis of the institution
c) Profile of the Institution
d) Criteria-wise report –The institution should provide consolidated response for each of the key aspects with Quality Indicators Framework (QIF) comprising of Data Templates/Documents (Quantitative and Qualitative)
e) Evaluative Report of Departments (University and Autonomous College)

The general instructions / format:

a) SSR should be crispy and informative. Bulky SSR with too many details and descriptions should be avoided. Even for a large and complex institution, it is possible to restrict the essential documentation to manageable proportions.
b) SSR should not exceed 200 pages
c) Single line space
d) Font size 12 of ‘Times New Roman’ font
e) One and half inches margin on each side of the page
f) Submit a digital/electronic version on-line of SSR. (No hard copies)

SSR Submission:

• On receiving the Institutional Information for Quality Assessment (IIQA) acceptance, the institution works towards the SSR submission at HEI Portal*

• Fill SSR form, upload online all necessary documents with SSR including both Quantitative and Qualitative metrics. To do so, upload relevant documents and select non-applicable metrics:
• Quantitative Metrics (QnM) – Requiring quantifiable facts and figures as data
• Qualitative Metrics (QlM)  – Requiring descriptive responses
• Pay 50% of the stipulated fee+ applicable taxes along with on line submission of Self-study Report (SSR) (Non-refundable).
• Pay balance 50% of the stipulated fees+ applicable taxes before 15 days from the visit date.
• The fee can be paid through online using payment option available in the HEI Portal
• After SSR submission, the HEI will receive an auto generated link/ID of SSR in their registered email id. The same SSR in PDF format should be then uploaded on the college/university website.

*HEI Portal – On successful Completion of Registration at NAAC Portal, a HEI portal is created which is specific to your Institution. For all future submissions HEI may login to their portal (HEI portal) with the credentials (Institutional Email id, Password) which are received in HEI’s registered email id. Institution needs to submit all applications, send communications to NAAC only through HEI portal.

Note:

i.    As per revised guidelines, submission of hard copies is not required.
ii.  If the Institution does not take up the accreditation process, the fees will not be returned to the institution. However, the same will be adjusted when accreditation process is taken up.
iii. The Maximum time limit up to which it can be carried forward shall be one year from the date of submission of SSR.
iv. For help, refer NAAC website (http://www.naac.gov.in)

Self-Study Report (SSR) to be submitted to NAAC needs involvement of all the stakeholders

• Management
• HODs & Faculty Members
• Administrative Staff
• Students
• Parents
• Employers, Community and Alumni

Each stakeholder of the institution should be kept fully informed and be closely involved in the self-study. The Head of the institution plays a major role in achieving the objectives of self-evaluation.

A Steering Committee consisting of 4-6 members can be created to

• Co-ordinate with departments (both academics & non-academics)
• Collect, compile & analyse the data
• Ensure correctness of the data
• Preparation of a comprehensive SSR

During the onsite visit of the peer team, the coordinator of the steering committee may also function as an institutional facilitator.