India’s higher education accreditation system is facing a major disruption as no university or college has received fresh accreditation for the current academic year. The delay comes amid a planned shift from the existing National Assessment and Accreditation Council-led framework to a new, simplified accreditation model under the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill. The issue is because accreditation influences student choice, institutional reputation and access to public funding.
What Has Happened
The accreditation process for 2024-2025 has not moved forward as expected. Officials had earlier planned to begin the new system by July 2025, but the transition has taken longer than anticipated. The authorities have said the new framework is being designed to be more robust before it is launched.
Why the Delay Matters
Accreditation is a key quality marker in higher education. It helps students assess institutions and also affects the eligibility of universities for government support. A 2014 rule linked accreditation to continued funding for universities supported by the University Grants Commission. The present pause has therefore created uncertainty for institutions and students alike.
Transition to New Accreditation Model
Under the proposed new system, a central Accreditation Council will supervise agencies across states. This will replace the current model in which NAAC handles the process largely from Bengaluru. The new arrangement is intended to make accreditation simpler and more transparent, while reducing concentration of authority in one body.
Current Coverage and Concerns
NAAC data shows that as of 14 August 2025, 509 universities, 7,783 colleges and 290 autonomous colleges have been accredited. This is less than 20% of the country’s roughly 50,000 colleges and about 40% of its 1,170 universities. The recent corruption allegations involving NAAC members have also raised concerns about credibility and reform in the accreditation system.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026