Bhubaneswar, Aug. 22: Utkal University has decided to seek re-accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). NAAC accreditation for the varsity had expired in 2009.

The decision was taken at an academic council meeting of the university. The procedure includes submitting a self-study report to NAAC. “We will submit the re-accreditation report to NAAC by December 31,” said the research and development in-charge of Utkal University, S. Jena.

The report would include a projection of the university’s achievements and research work. Following this, NAAC will appoint a committee to assess the report. “There will be an analysis of the report by NAAC, followed by a visit of NAAC team members to the university. They will validate the claims made in the report. This is expected sometime in February 2012. The re-accreditation will be based on the report by the team,” said Jena.

NAAC is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India to assess and accredit colleges and universities in the country. Institutes must apply for re-accreditation every five years. NAAC accreditation makes the university eligible to apply for potential excellence grant and navaratna status which can be used for developing research facilities, improving infrastructure, buy lab equipment, books and journals.