The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an organisation that assesses and accredits institutions of higher education across country has made changes in its grading pattern. The new pattern, introduced this month, has made the grading pattern tough.

As per earlier grading pattern, colleges and universities across the country were graded on four parameters, A, B, C and D (very good, good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory). But with the introduction of the new grading pattern, the educational institutions across the country will be graded in the scale of A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C, and D. With D being the lowest grade, institutions having this grade would be interpreted as "not accredited".

The highest point under the new system any institution can obtain is four and institutions having secured 3.76 points or more would qualify for the A++ grade. The point is awarded on the basis of various parameters dealing with academic and infrastructure facilities available at the institution.

A+ grade will be awarded to institutions having a score in the range of 3.51 to 3.75, while A will be awarded to those with a score line in the range of 3.01 to 3.50.

Sources said that with the introduction of new points scale, educational institutions in the state will have to work hard for getting good scale that is A++.

Under the new grading pattern, no universities and colleges already having NAAC grade are entitled for A++.

Patna Women's College, the constituent college of Patna University has NAAC grade 'A' with CGPA of 3.58. Similarly, Chanakya National Law University, the state's lone law university having NAAC grade 'A' too has CGPA of 3.15.

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan vice chairman Kameshwar Jha said: "The education department few days back received new NAAC grading pattern for educational institutions. Educational institutions going for NAAC grading from July will have to prepare as per new grading pattern."

In Bihar, there are around 76 educational institutions, including six universities that have NAAC grading. The process of NAAC accreditation takes place once in five years and all UGC-recognised colleges have to submit a self-study report which is reviewed by a peer team from NAAC on the basis of which the final grade is given to the college.

However, an institution can go for NAAC accreditation any time and based on institution self study report, a NAAC team visits and gives report within six months.

Having a good NAAC helps get funds from Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan and University Grants Commission. Also, the educational institutions which don't have NAAC grading have been asked to get accreditation.

Patna University, the state's oldest university has no NAAC grading.

Patna University pro-vice-chancellor R.K. Verma said: "The university is hopeful of getting good grade and the process for NAAC accreditation will start from August after the admission process completes."

Educational institutions across the country are accredited based on various parameters, which include teaching/learning programme, audio video programme, research activities for both teachers and students, infrastructure of institutions, including canteen, playground, common room for students, sanitations and different cells such as anti-ragging cell, students' grievance cell, teachers and employee grievance cell and others.