NAAC Binary Accreditation Framework 2025

What is the Binary Framework?

The Binary Accreditation Framework is a new system introduced by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) to assess higher education institutions in India. Unlike the older system, where colleges and universities received multiple grades like A, B, C, etc., the new framework is simplified and transparent.

Now, institutions will be placed into just two categories:

• Accredited ✅
• Not Accredited ❌

This makes evaluation straightforward and eliminates confusion of multiple grading tiers.

The Process of Assessment & Accreditation

Step-by-step accreditation journey:

• Registration initiation
• Submission of Institutional Information for Quality Assessment (IIQA)
• Submission of Self-Study Report (SSR)
• Student Satisfaction Survey (SSS) - feedback directly from students
• Peer Team Visit (PTV) - only in select higher maturity levels (hybrid/verification)
• Decision-making and announcement of results

This mix of data, digital verification, and limited peer involvement ensures greater credibility and fairness.

How Does It Work?

The Binary Framework is AI-driven, data-based, and digital-first:

1. Institutional Data Submission – Colleges and universities must submit their details,reports, and proofs digitally on the One Nation One Data Platform.
2. AI Verification – Artificial Intelligence checks and verifies documents, cross matching the evidence provided.
3. Stakeholder Validation – Randomly selected reviewers (faculty, students, alumni, employers) verify claims.
4. Decision Outcome – Based on evidence and verification, the institution is given either “Accredited” or “Not Accredited.”

The Credibility Score System

Even though the outcome is binary, NAAC has included a Credibility Score (based on CGPA) to bring fairness:

• CGPA ≥ 2.00 → Accredited (2 years)
• CGPA 1.50 – 1.99 → Provisionally Accredited (1 year)
• CGPA < 1.50 → Not Accredited (can reapply after 6 months)

This gives institutions a chance to improve and upgrade themselves rather than being permanently left out.

Proposed High-level Structure

Link with Maturity-Based Graded Levels (MBGL)

Binary Accreditation = entry gate.(basic quality assurance)
MBGL = growth roadmap (Levels 1–5, from Emerging to Global Excellence).

Together, they ensure institutions both qualify and continuously improve.

Advantages of the Binary Framework

• ✅ Removes complexity – simple “yes/no” outcome
• ✅ Reduces manipulation – no manual peer pressure
• ✅ Faster accreditation – digital verification cuts delays
• ✅ Encourages improvement – provisional status allows re-entry
• ✅ Aligns with NEP 2020 goals - for quality, accountability, and access

Risks of Not Adapting

Institutions that fail to secure NAAC accreditation under the Binary Framework face:

• Ineligibility for UGC, AICTE, and RUSA grants
• Loss of public trust and credibility
• Exclusion from national and global rankings
• Difficulty in implementing NEP reforms

Why Digitalization is the Key

Since the new system is fully data-driven, colleges need to move away from paperwork and adopt digital solutions for:

• Data management & evidence storage
• Automated compliance tracking
• Transparent reporting
• Faster response to AI verification

Final Thoughts

In simple terms, the Binary Framework is like a pass/fail gateway for higher education institutions, ensuring only credible, quality-focused institutions move forward in India’s education ecosystem.

The NAAC Binary Framework 2025 is a landmark shift in Indian higher education. By making accreditation simpler, transparent, and growth-oriented, it ensures that institutions are not only meeting minimum quality benchmarks but also progressing toward excellence in education, research, and governance.

At Right Brains Technology, we specialize in providing digital NAAC solutions that help institutions adapt to this new system with ease. From data management to compliance automation, our tools are designed to make the accreditation journey smooth, efficient, and reliable.