Almost two years after the University Grants Commission (UGC) made accreditation compulsory for institutions of higher education, only about 16 per cent of colleges affiliated to Bangalore University (BU) have been accredited. Further, the varsity — one of the largest in the country — is yet to apply for the third cycle of accreditation.
However, of the over 590 colleges coming under BU, less than 100 have got the nod from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). This is despite the council being headquartered in Bengaluru. NAAC even opened a Central Application Processing Unit in September this year to fast track the process.
The University Grants Commission (Mandatory Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Educational Institutions), Regulations, 2012 had made accreditation mandatory for all institutions of higher education to be eligible for funding. According to the regulations, all such institutions have to be accredited by an accreditation agency after the passing out of two batches or after completing six years of existence.
BU Vice-Chancellor B. Thimme Gowda said only 95 colleges have been accredited by NAAC; the other colleges have not applied, as accreditation was not mandatory earlier. “We are conducting workshops to make them aware of the benefits and process,” he said.
Delay by BUMeanwhile, there has been a delay on the part of BU too in applying for the third cycle of accreditation. On the other hand, the Karnataka University, Dharwad, DVS Arts and Science College, Shivamogga and St. Anne’s College of Education, Mangaluru have already been accredited in the third cycle.
Prof. Gowda said, “We are in the process of applying.” The varsity wants to finish filling up vacant posts and complete pending civil works before applying, he explained.
