15% Universities with A++ & A+ NAAC ratings to offer online degree courses

Higher education institutions having top NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) ratings of A++ and A+ will soon be able to offer online degree courses to students. The courses will be of three years duration and will be treated at par with regular courses. This decision was taken at the 65th meeting of CABE (Central Advisory Board of Education) on higher education.

Currently, MHRD (Ministry of Human Resource Development) is in process of formulating guidelines for the courses.

At present, there are about 15% institutions in India that have top NAAC rankings (A++, A+). Elaborating on the same, Prakash Javadekar, HRD Minister said that the universities who will offer online degree courses to students will be free to set their curriculum and question paper pattern. However, there will be some norms that all universities will have to follow, added Javadekar. The norms and guidelines are expected to be notified in February, 2018.

It may be noted that some universities are already offering online programmes to students in the absence of any norms. Once the norms and guidelines are finalised by MHRD, a university that will not be able to meet NAAC grade requirement will either have to improve its rating or shut down the course.

Apart from the above, CABE has also decided to take necessary steps to ensure that no student is denied opportunity to access higher education because of lack of resources. Also, the board has taken a decision of plugging regional disparities. For the same, the board is expected to prepare a plan soon and bring accountability for all stakeholders.