Bhubaneswar: The College of Basic Science and Humanities is the only college to have managed a B++ grade in the list the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (Naac) released this week.

Naac, the nodal body that evaluates higher education institutes, gives out grades twice a year - in May-June and November-December. The institutions are the ones that had applied for Naac grading in June.

Naac grades range from A++ (highest) to D. The process of Naac accreditation takes place once in five years and all University Grants Commission-recognised colleges have to submit a self-study report that is reviewed by a peer team from Naac - on the basis of which the final grade is given.

Eleven educational institutions from the state have received the Naac accreditation.

The Central University of Odisha received B+ accreditation, along with the Radhakrishna Institute of Technology and Engineering at Barunei and the Science College (Autonomous) at Hinjilicut.

This is the first time in the history of the Central University of Odisha since its inception in 2009 that it has obtained a Naac accreditation and grade.

Vice-chancellor Sachidananda Mohanty expressed satisfaction for the impressive growth the varsity has made, especially in the past two years, in terms of entrance examination in 22 centres, promulgation of academic ordinance, recruitment rules, computer centres, Internet connectivity, shifting of students to permanent campus, MoUs with sister organisation, Wi-Fi campus, permanent water and electricity connectivity, green campus, infrastructure development, health centres and 24-hour ambulance service.

Mohanty said: "Along with celebrations, it is equally important for the varsity to project and achieve a curve of all-round growth, which will be possible by a collective effort."

The university, he said, would work to further strengthen its infrastructure, so that it could secure even better grades in future.

Six colleges - the Ghanteswar Degree College in Bhadrak, Kaptipada College in Mayurbhanj, Mahatma Gandhi Degree College in Bargarh, Pathani Samanta College in Khurda, Deogarh College and the Siddheswar College in Balasore - were accredited with B grade. These apart, the Dunguripali College in Sonepur received C grade.

Educators have criticised the ratings and feel that it reflects the poor scene of higher education in the state. "Most of the rural colleges lack infrastructure and teaching staff," said Akanksha Jena, a former professor.