Types Of Accreditation (With Definition And Importance)

Updated 3 February 2023

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It is often crucial to choose the course of study which can fully prepare you for your intended career because there are so many educational institutions that offer academic programmes. Looking for approved universities that offer the subject you want to pursue is usually a good place to start your search. Learning about accreditation can be useful in making sure you receive a quality education and gain the skills for a prosperous career. In this article, we explain what accreditation means, discuss various types of accreditation, review their importance, share how they benefit you and list some accreditation bodies.

Various Types Of Accreditation

Independent bodies may use different types of accreditation to assess academic institutions. These accrediting bodies examine higher education institutions to ensure they offer their students top educational services that help them succeed in their chosen professions. Accrediting organisations typically ascertain that the courses, the faculty and the success of their past students satisfy all requirements. These agencies regularly reevaluate institutions to keep their accreditation. Here are the various types of accreditation:

Institutional accreditation

Independent organisations under the University Grants Commission (UGC) are in charge of higher education accreditation for institutions. Higher education accreditation bodies recognise the higher learning institutes in the country. They give this sort of accreditation when the institution meets or surpasses the minimal standards of quality that the accrediting authority establishes. This aids in identifying the proper institutions for course enrolment for students. The value of a degree an institute presents often depends on the institute's accreditation.

Institutional accreditation can be both regional and national. This allows them to earn more than one type of legal accreditation. Institutions in the country can affiliate themselves with a government university and can get themselves recognised as deemed-to-be universities or as private universities with accreditation.

Department accreditation

Higher education institutions employ extensive measures to ensure that they maintain the demanding academic standards required to issue certificates or confer diplomas and degrees in a subject. Numerous for-profit and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) audit course curricula and institutions and rate them by their standards of excellence. Industry professionals usually perform this external quality assessment independently.

Regional and national accreditation are available for different courses, allowing a college to achieve multiple legal accreditations simultaneously. Multiple departments can demonstrate their proficiency, quality of education and reliability. While not all accrediting agencies support course, programme or departmental accreditation, it still might be worthwhile to investigate the courses an institution offers before enrolling there. This is because most institutions require at least some accredited courses to identify as accredited institutes.

Why Is Accreditation Important?

An accreditation procedure involves presenting a certification of competence, authority or trustworthiness to institutions or courses. It offers quality assurance, granting approval to recognisable and indisputable academic performance and institutional standards maintained sincerely and effectively by institutions with the possibility of continuous improvements for future development. There are many methods available to overcome the disparities that exist between institutions and the workplace, including correspondence and distance learning programmes, massive open online courses (MOOCs) and boot camps.

It is crucial to consider key factors like placements, alumni and accreditation. A degree from an accredited university might help in getting a good job. It is important for students to ensure that a college or university possesses the proper accreditation granted by the respective accrediting body before admission.

Benefits Of Accreditation

Listed below are some benefits of accreditation:

Better job opportunities

While many employers favour candidates with a bachelor's degree, several professions require you to obtain an accredited undergraduate degree before you can start working in your desired position. Earning the certifications required for some occupations also requires a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution. Hiring managers typically prefer candidates with accredited degrees, especially in sectors like technology, medical science or finance. Possessing such a degree from a recognised university can make your resume look more impressive.

Improved quality of education

Accredited educational institutions offer considerably higher-quality instruction than unrecognised ones. It aids in fulfilling relevant national, international and regional criteria. If the institution or course possesses the required accreditation, you may choose to do a doctoral degree or any other type of research in your desired field.

Better options for higher studies

If you plan to continue your education at the graduate level, making sure you obtain your undergraduate degree from an accredited college can be important. Most professional institutes demand that you complete an approved bachelor's degree programme in a pertinent field of study to enroll in a master's degree programme. This also allows you to practice and improve your skills both as a student and as a new professional.

Increased chances of financial aid

If you intend to apply for student aid, joining a recognised academic institution can prove beneficial. Your eligibility for bank loans, grants and scholarships may increase as a result. Students can get financial aid if the institution they are attending has received accreditation from government-recognised organisations, like the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

List Of Accreditation Bodies

An accrediting body is a group of professionals that evaluates education programmes to ensure they meet a specific set of standards. Here are some of the major accrediting bodies:

University Grants Commission

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is one of India's most influential organisations for higher education accreditation. All higher education institutions in the country require UGC accreditation to provide a wide range of courses, conduct exams, award degrees and manage other functions. Colleges oversee admissions, appoint professors, pay salaries and many other tasks under UGC regulations. The UGC establishes standards for many aspects of higher education in Indian institutions and faculties.

All India Council for Technical Education

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is one of India's top accrediting bodies for technical and management institutes. All higher education institutions offering engineering, management and pharmacy programmes require AICTE authorisation. The AICTE oversees ten statutory entities and approves the courses offered by these statutory bodies. It develops guidelines and requirements for creating new colleges, extending existing university permissions and rescinding existing university licences. It is essential that college students confirm that the AICTE has approved any institute's courses before enrolling themselves.

Association of Indian Universities

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is an organisation and an association of top Indian universities. The primary task of the AIU is to research the courses Indian universities offer and compare them to the syllabi, standards, courses and credits of foreign universities. It also participates in the process of validation of degrees earned at Indian universities recognised by the UGC. The AIU serves as an enforcement agency for Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) or agreements made as a part of cultural exchange programs between India and other nations.

National Board of Accreditation

The National Board of Accreditation (NBA) accredits only programmes. These consist of degrees and undergraduate and graduate courses. Engineering and technology, management, pharmacy, architecture, applied arts and crafts, computer applications, hospitality and tourism management are among the accredited specialities. While programme accreditation is optional, the AICTE announced in 2017 that it was no longer going to grant licences to institutes if they did not earn accreditation for at least 50% of their programmes.

National Assessment and Accreditation Council

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) evaluates and accredits higher education institutions, which include colleges, universities, and other recognised institutions and determines their quality. The NAAC assesses colleges on their overall performance in terms of educational methods and outcomes, curriculum coverage, research, infrastructure, organisation, governance, economic status and student services.

National Medical Commission

The 33-member National Medical Commission (NMC) is a regulatory organisation which replaced the Medical Council of India. It oversees medical professionals and medical education. The Commission accredits medical schools, offers registration to medical professionals, recognises medical degrees, monitors medical practice and evaluates India's medical infrastructure.

Bar Council of India

The Bar Council of India (BCI) is a statutory organisation that oversees the legal profession and legal education in India. It also recognises universities that offer legal degrees. The BCI often performs representational duties by defending the privileges, rights and interests of advocates and by raising money to support welfare programmes for them. It establishes norms for proper behaviour and exercises disciplinary authority over the bar.