SSR Inst. Int. J. Life Sci., 7(5): 2867-2883, Sep 2021
Recent Advances in Accreditation Systems in Higher Agricultural Educational Institutes (HAEI) in India: A Review
Nimai Chand Patra*
Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, 37, K. B. Sarani, Kolkata-700037, India
*Address for Correspondence: Dr. Nimai Chand Patra, Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata- 700037, West Bengal, India.
E-mail: drncpatra@yahoo.co.in
ABSTRACT- Accreditation is a self-realization and peer review process to improve and sustain the quality and relevance in higher educational institutes (HEI) as well as in higher agricultural educational institutes (HAEI). In India, like NAAC under UGC, the accreditation is carried out in agricultural institutes in the three-tier system like degree programmes, college and university under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) by the National Agricultural Education Accreditation Board (NAEAB) with its secretariat. ICAR belongs to an autonomous organization of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. ICAR accreditation is a voluntary process and an institution and or different programmes can be accredited by more than one accreditation body. An agricultural college/university may be recognized first as schedule 2F/12B under UGC Act, along with Technology/ Engineering subjects by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) of AICTE and Veterinary and Animal Sciences subjects by Veterinary Council of India (VCI). Being the non-statutory status, the ICAR does not provide the status “Recognition” or “Affiliation” to any organization/ institution/ university or any course/ programme/ degree offered by such institution but needs to comply with minimum requirement and academic regulations prescribed by ICAR. Accreditation is provided to an HAEI for five years and the mid-term review committee of NAEAB reviews the status of accreditation after completion of 2.5 years as post- accreditation monitoring process. Thus, the NAEAB accreditation is a recurring process and is intended to improve the marketability of students for national and international employment.
Key words- AICTE, Accreditation, HAEI, ICAR, NAEAB, QMS
INTRODUCTION- Accreditation is the 3rd party attestation related to an academic institute conveying the exhibition of its competence to carry out the specific predefined tasks about quality of education [1]. The quality of higher agricultural educational institutes is commonly inherent and provides value for money, conforms predefined specifications, meets customers like students and community needs, does right things first, have zero defect with the provision of academic eminence. The institutional quality is measured by the different criteria like curricular aspects includes goal orientation, academic flexibility, curricular design and development, feedback on curriculum, curriculum update, professional and career development alongwith employability. The benchmarks for the criteria under teaching-learning and evaluation are transparency in the admission process, filling up a teaching position and experimental methodology, minimum 180 days of teaching days in an academic calendar, maximum use of ICT enabled teaching-learning, preference in PhD qualified staff recruitment with maximum time use of education technology as well as library resources. However, the research, innovation and innovation criteria include the key aspects like promotion of research, publication output, consultancy, collaboration and extension activities along with revenue generation. The infrastructure and learning resource criteria include physical facilities, maintenance of infrastructure, good library resource. Student support and progression criteria are student profile, student support and student facilities. However, the governance, leadership and management criteria possess effective and motivational initiatives, transparency in operation, decentralization of governance, the delegation of power, and willingness for reforms. The ultimate institutional value criteria are sensitive and changing demands for market and employability, sustainable quality and excellence [2]. Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) is a body that includes Testing including medical Laboratory, Calibration Laboratory, Proficiency Testing Provider, Certified Reference Material Producer, HEIs, HAEIs, institutes etc. The liberalization of trade and industry policies of the Government of India has created quality consciousness in domestic trade and provided greater thrust for quality. With the tune of this quality management in higher institutes, institutional accreditation has been started at the beginning of this 2000 AD and is regarded as a procedure by which a Government, non-Government or autonomous authoritative body recognizes the technical competence for specific institute/tests/ measurements, based on third party assessment as per the international standards [3].
Benefits of accreditation- Recognition of an educational institute has many advantages includes the educational institutions learn its strongness, weaknesses, and opportunities through an already-informed review process, identification of planning and resource allocation done internally, commensurations on the campus. At present, funding agencies commonly look for proper data for performance funding, institutions to initiate innovative as well as modern methods of pedagogy with a new sense of direction along with identity for institutions, reliable information on quality education provided [2,3]. Nowadays, employers look for reliable information on the quality education already offered to the prospective recruits, the intra and inter-institutional interactions along with the international recognition, focus given to global market, time and money efficiency, customers confidence and satisfaction, specific Quality Management System (QMS), continual improvements, better operational control, assurance of accurate and reliable results along with the continuation of quality, cost reduction and prevent loss due to defects.
Accreditation providers in India- The Quality Council of India (QCI) are pioneer autonomous organizations of the Government of India to set up organizations in partnership with the Indian industry. Since 1992, a need perceived for the establishment of an accreditation body in the country to establish an internationally acceptable mechanism for recognition of conformity assessment results [4]. With regards to laboratories, an accreditation body under the Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST) was already functioning. A committee formed which included various interested ministries and stakeholders including industries were established to make suitable recommendations. The work was coordinated by the then Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion-DIPP, presently known as Department for Promotion of Industries and Internal Trade" (DPIIT) and the submitted recommendations were accepted to the Cabinet in 1996 [5]. Key recommendations were "the need for establishing an organization jointly by the Government and the industry" and "the need for the organization to be self-sustaining and be away from the Government". Receiving the recommendations, the Cabinet Committee decided to set up the Quality Council of India (QCI) as a non-profit autonomous society registered under Societies Registration Act XXI, 1860 to establish a genuine accreditation structure in the country and spread the quality movement in India by undertaking a National Quality Campaign. As depicted in the Governance structure above, QCI coordinates its activities through five constituent Boards briefed below [6].
NABCB- The National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies allots accreditation to educational institutes based on the assessment of the organization's competence as per the Board's (NABCB) criteria and along with the specificities with International Standards and Guidelines. NABCB is an internationally recognized body [7] and it represents the interests of the Indian present industry at international forums through active participation and memberships like MRA/ILAC.
NABET- NABET was initiated as the National Accreditation Board for Auditors and Training (NABAT), created in response to the emerging challenges in the conformity assessment arena. Its mandate is to establish and monitor the training and auditor’s registration process. Subsequently, National Accreditation Board for Auditors and Training (NABAT) started to work as a registrar for auditors and training courses operating in conformity assessment areas such as Quality Management System (QMS), Environment Management System (EMS). Presently, it is called as National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) [8].
NABL-National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration of Laboratories (NABL) furnishes accreditation in other terms recognition of technical competence of a Testing, Calibration (ISO 17025), Medical Laboratory (ISO 15189), Proficiency Testing Provider (PTP/ ISO 17043) and Reference Material Producer (RMP/ ISO 17034) for a specific scope of the laboratory following the international standards [9,10].
NABH- The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) also allots accreditation programmes for healthcare organisations. The board is concerned to cater to the much-desired needs of hospital consumers and preparing benchmarks for the progress of healthcare organizations [11].
NBQP- National Board for Quality Promotion (NBQP) works on the mission of promoting the quality of life of the citizens of India. The Board organizes events i.e., Quality Conclaves (National/Regional/Virtual) and Quality Month Competitions [12].
Teach-R Model (NCTE with QCI)- It is a new initiative of the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) for especially the B.Ed. institutes.
NAAC Model (UGC)- The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) performs assessment and accreditation of Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) in India such as colleges, universities or other recognised institutions to estimate the ‘Quality Status’ of the institution. NAAC evaluates the applicant institutions for its conformance to the standards of quality in terms of grades on its performance related to the educational processes and outcomes, teaching-learning processes and their effectiveness, different curriculum coverage including new syllabus, faculty, research, infrastructure, organisation, governance, different learning resources including E-learning, financial and student activities [13].
NBA Model (AICTE)- The National Board of Accreditation was established by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) in the year 1994 to assess the competence in engineering in dominance [14].
NAEAB Model (ICAR)-It is used in the ICAR system of accreditation. The detail of the NAEAB is discussed below-
Table1: Different accreditation body/ Statutory Body in India [15]
S. No.CouncilWeb Link
1.All India Council of Technical Education - AICTEhttp://www.aicte-india.org
2.Medical Council of India - MCIhttp://www.mciindia.org/
3.National Council for Teacher Education - NCTEhttp://www.ncte-india.org/
4.Dental Council of India – DCIhttp://www.dciindia.org/
5.Pharmacy Council of India - PCIhttp://www.pci.nic.in/
6.Indian Nursing Council - INChttp://www.indiannursingcouncil.org/
7.Bar Council of India -BCIhttp://www.barcouncilofindia.org/
8.Central Council of Homeopathy -CCHhttp://www.cchindia.com/
9.Central Council for Indian Medicine - CCIMhttp://www.ccimindia.org/
10.Council of Architecture – COAhttp://www.coa.gov.in/
11.Distance Education Council - DEChttp://www.ugc.ac.in/deb/
12.Rehabilitation Council of India - RCIhttp://rehabcouncil.nic.in/
13.National Council for Rural Institutes - NCRIhttp://www.ncri.in/
14.The Veterinary Council of India - VCIhttp://www.vci.nic.in/
15.National Councils of Education research and training- NCERThttp://www.ncert.nic.in/
16.Institute of Chartered Accountants of India-ICAIhttp://www.icai.org/
17.Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India- ICMAIhttp://icmai.in/icmai/index1.php
18.Institute of Company Secretaries of India- ICSIhttp://www.icsi.edu/
19.Institution of Engineershttp://www.ieindia.info/
Table 2: List of Research Councils in India providing funds for overall quality enhancement
Sl.No.CouncilWeb Link
1. Council of scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)http://www.csir.res.in/
2.Department of Atomic energy (DAE)http://www.dae.gov.in/
3.Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)http://www.drdo.gov.in/
4.Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS)http://www.ias.ac.in/
5.Indian National Academy of Engineering (INSE)http://www.inae.org/
6.Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR)http://www.icar.org/
7.Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)http://www.ichrindia.org/
8.Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)http://www.icmr.nic.in/
9.Indian Council for Philosophical Research (ICPR)http://www.icpr.in/
10.Indian Council for Social Sciences Research (ICSR)http://www.icssr.org/
11.Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)http://www.isro.org/
12.Indian National Science Academy (INSA)http://www.insaindia.org/
13.National Academy of Sciences (NAS)http://nasi.nic.in/
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organisation of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Previously, it was known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, which was established on 16 July 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 in pursuance of a report of the Royal Commission on Agriculture. The ICAR has its headquarters in New Delhi. The Council is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including animal sciences and fisheries in the entire country. The ICAR boasts of having 101 numbers of ICAR institutes and 71 agricultural universities spread across the country like India. The ICAR has played a pivotal role in ushering Green Revolution and subsequent developments in agriculture in India through its research and latest technology development that has enabled the country to produce grains by 5.6 times, horticultural crops by 10.5 times, fish by 16.8 times, milk by 10.4 times and eggs by 52.9 times since 1950-51 to 2017-18, thus made a visible impact on the national food and nutritional security [16,17]. Simultaneously, it has played a major role in promoting excellence in higher education in agriculture. It is engaged in cutting edge areas of science and technology development along its scientists are internationally acknowledged in its fields.
Table 3: Different ICAR Institutes in India
ICAR Deemed to be University
S. NoName of the InstitutesPlace
1.Indian Agricultural Research InstituteNew Delhi
2.National Dairy Research InstituteKarnal
3.Indian Veterinary Research InstituteIzatnagar
4.Central Institute on Fisheries EducationMumbai
Research Institutes under ICAR
S. NoName of the InstitutesPlace
1.Central Island Agricultural Research Institute Port Blair
2.Central Arid Zone Research InstituteJodhpur
3Central Avian Research InstituteIzatnagar
4.Central Inland Fisheries Research InstituteBarrackpur
5Central Institute Brackishwater AquacultureChennai
6.Central Institute for Research on BuffaloesHissar
7.Central Institute for Research on GoatsMakhdoom
8.Central Institute of Agricultural EngineeringBhopal
9.Central Institute for Arid HorticultureBikaner
10.Central Institute of Cotton ResearchNagpur
11.Central Institute of Fisheries TechnologyCochin
12.Central Institute of Freshwater AquacultureBhubaneswar
13.Central Institute of Research on Cotton TechnologyMumbai
14.Central Institute of Sub Tropical HorticultureLucknow
15.Central Institute of Temperate HorticultureSrinagar
16.Central Institute on Post-harvest Engineering and TechnologyLudhiana
17.Central Marine Fisheries Research InstituteKochi
18.Central Plantation Crops Research InstituteKasargod
19.Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied FibresBarrackpur
20.Central Potato Research InstituteShimla
21.Central Research Institute of Dryland AgricultureHyderabad
22.National Rice Research InstituteCuttack
23.Central Sheep and Wool Research InstituteAvikanagar
24.Indian Institute of Soil and Water ConservationDehradoon
25.Central Soil Salinity Research InstituteKarnal
26.Central Tobacco Research InstituteRajahmundry
27.Central Tuber Crops Research InstituteTrivandrum
28.ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern RegionPatna
29.ICAR-Research Complex for NEH RegionBarapani
30.Central Coastal Agricultural Research InstituteGoa
31.Indian Agricultural Statistics Research InstituteNew Delhi
32.Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology Ranchi
33.Indian Grassland and Fodder Research InstituteJhansi
34.Indian Institute of Horticultural ResearchBangalore
35.Indian Institute of Natural Resins and GumsRanchi
36.Indian Institute of Pulses ResearchKanpur
37.Indian Institute of Soil SciencesBhopal
38.Indian Institute of Spices ResearchCalicut
39.Indian Institute of Vegetable Research Varanasi
40.Indian Institute of Sugarcane ResearchLucknow
41.National Academy of Agricultural Research & ManagementHyderabad
42.National Institute of Biotic Stresses ManagementRaipur
43.National Institute of Abiotic Stress ManagementMalegaon
44.National Institute of Animal Nutrition and PhysiologyBangalore
45.National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and TechnologyKolkata
46.National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease InformaticsBangalore
47.Sugarcane Breeding InstituteCoimbatore
48.Vivekananda Parvatiya KrishiAnusandhanSansthanAlmora
49.Central Institute for Research on CattleMeerut
50.National Institute of High-Security Animal DiseasesBhopal
51.Indian Institute of Maize ResearchNew Delhi
52.Central Agroforestry Research InstituteJhansi
53.National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy ResearchNew Delhi
54.Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley ResearchKarnal
55.Indian Institute of Millets Research Hyderabad
56.Indian Institute of Farming Systems ResearchModipuram
57.Indian Institute of Oilseeds ResearchHyderabad
58.Indian Institute of Oil Palm ResearchPedavegi
59.Indian Institute of Water ManagementBhubaneswar
60.Indian Institute of Rice ResearchHyderabad
61.Central Institute for Women in AgricultureBhubaneswar
62.Central Citrus Research InstituteNagpur
63.Indian Institute of Seed ResearchMau
64.Indian Agricultural Research InstituteHazaribagh
65.National Institute for Plant BiotechnologyNew Delhi
National Research Centres (NRC) under ICAR
S No.Name of NRCPlace
1.National Research Centre for BananaTrichi
2.National Research Centre for GrapesPune
3.National Research Centre for LitchiMuzaffarpur
4.National Research Centre for PomegranateSolapur
5.National Research Centre on CamelBikaner
6.National Research Centre on EquinesHissar
7.National Research Centre on MeatHyderabad
8.National Research Centre on OrchidsPakyong
9.National Research Centre on MithunNagaland
10.National Research Centre on Pig Guwahati
11.National Research Centre on Seed SpicesAjmer
12.National Research Centre on YakWest Kemang
13.National Centre for Integrated Pest ManagementNew Delhi
14.Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research InstituteMotihari
National Bureau under ICAR
S No.Name of National BureauLocation
1.National Bureau of Plant Genetics ResourcesNew Delhi
2.National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use PlanningNagpur
3.National Bureau of Agricultural Insect ResourcesBangalore
4.National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Micro-organismsMau
5.National Bureau of Animal Genetic ResourcesKarnal
6.National Bureau of Fish Genetic ResourcesLucknow
Project Directorates under ICAR
S No.Name of Project DirectoratePlace
1.Directorate of Groundnut ResearchJunagarh
2.Directorate of Soybean ResearchIndore
3.Directorate of Rapeseed & Mustard ResearchBharatpur
4.Directorate of Mushroom ResearchSolan
5.Directorate on Onion and Garlic ResearchPune
6.Directorate of Cashew Research, PutturPuttur
7.Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants ResearchAnand
8.Directorate of Floricultural ResearchPune
9.Directorate of Weed ResearchJabalpur
10.Project Directorate on Foot & Mouth DiseaseMukteshwar
11.Directorate of Poultry ResearchHyderabad
12.Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture (DKMA)New Delhi
13.Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries ResearchBhimtal
As per instruction Ministry of Education, Government of India dated 13.10.2021, for maintenance of standards in higher education and research institutes, PhD degree will be mandatory for direct recruitment to assistant professors in universities w.e.f. 01.07.2021.
Table 4: Different degree provided from agricultural university
UGPGPhD
Basic Science (Sc)M.ScSubject wise
Plant ScM.ScDo
Social ScM.ScDo
Physical ScM.ScDo
Statistical ScM. Stat.Do
Horticultural ScM.ScDo
Forestry ScM.ScDo
Home ScM.ScDo
BiotechnologyM. TechDo
Plant ProtectionM.ScDo
Fishery ScM. F. Sc.Do
Dairy ScM. Tech.Do
Food ScM. Tech.Do
Agricultural EngineeringM. Tech.Do
Veterinary ScM.V.Sc.Do
History of NAEAB- Following is the major developments are given below [3]-
In the year 1952, the Education Panel of ICAR proposed the development of model curricula of B.Sc. (Ag.) & B.V.Sc and framed guidelines for the establishment of newagri-vet colleges. But in the year 1965, Standing Committee on Agricultural Education informed the Development of the first Model Act for different state agricultural university (SAU), agricultural engineering (Agri Engg), Agricultural and Veterinary subjects, Home Science subjects. Simultaneously, in the year 1974, the norms and accreditation committee reported the creation of norms towards financial assistance from ICAR for agricultural universities, different faculties in general universities and Private Colleges, who are offering degrees in Agriculture, veterinary, fishery, dairy, horticulture, home sciences after adopting the UGC pay scales by SAU, NET qualifications as mandatory and Career Advancement Schemes for promotion, development of various schemes for faculty members including competence improvement and developed a process of accreditation (recognition), which is the main criteria for financial support [17].
Accreditation Board (1996)- The ICAR developed a process of accreditation in a comprehensive, rigorous and periodically improve quality and relevance of higher agricultural education in India. Though the accreditation board started its functions early, the accreditation Board was finally restructured with effect from 9th February 2017. The Accreditation Board was modified to ensure the quality in various agricultural subjects of different agricultural universities and colleges in the country like in India. There are four regional centres of the NAEAB like (1) Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi (2) Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (CRIJAF), Barrackpore, Kolkata (3) Central Institute for Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai and (4) The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore are adhered to the NAEAB for accreditation of Higher Agricultural Educational Institutions (HAEIs) in India.
Table 5: Different Regional Offices of NAEAB
ZonesDifferent states of IndiaVarious Regional Offices
NorthHaryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu &Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh and DelhiIARI, NewDelhi
East and North EastBihar, West Bengal (WB), Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur, Odisha, Chhattisgarh (CG), Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Andaman &NicobarIslands, TripuraCRIJ&AF,Barrackpore, near Kolkata
WestGoa, Gujarat, Daman & Diu, MadhyaPradesh (MP), NagarHaveli, MaharashtraCIFE, Mumbai
SouthKarnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh (AP), Tamil Nadu (TN) and PondicherryIIHR, Bangalore
Table 6: Accreditation reforms period in India
YearCriteria
1996Establishment of Accreditation Board in ICAR
2004-2010Accreditation was granted with general criteria without specified guidelines
2010-2014Benchmarks as IV Dean's report, BSMA report and ICAR Model Act.
2015-2017V Dean’s report, BSMA report and ICAR Model Act and linking accreditation with development grant to the state agricultural universities (SAU), new introduction of scoring/ grading points in accreditation processes and accreditation fee.
2018V Dean’s report, BSMA report and ICAR Model Act and linking accreditation with development grant to state agricultural universities (SAU), the introduction of scoring/ grading points in the accreditation process and also with the allotment of all India seats in all accredited agricultural universities.
2020V Dean’s report, BSMA report and ICAR Model Act and linking accreditation with development grant to state agricultural universities (SAU), the introduction of scoring/ grading points in the accreditation process and also with the allotment of all India seats in all accredited agricultural universities and introduction of the online portal for accreditation of universities.
2021ICAR will act as a professional standard-setting body (PSSB) and provide required guidelines for all HAEIs both public and private institutes. Veterinary Council of India (VCI) will act to provide the professional standard for veterinary education. Deemed universities of ICAR will be transformed into Multidisciplinary Education and Research Institute (MERU). NAEAB may be recognized as an accreditor for accreditation of different agricultural programmes, College and University offering agricultural education under the National Accreditation Council (NAC) under NEP, 2020.
Accreditation fees amount for NAEAB application for accreditation- The fees commonly collected from Applicant College or faculty are entirely exhausted during accreditation process at different levels including Board Secretariat, Regional Centres [16], Peer Review Teams, Post-accreditation monitoring and review and completing other requirements of the Board in efficient, time-bound ways. The fees are of three types:
1. Rs 6.0 lakh + GST for Accreditation of the different Agricultural University plus constituent colleges plus programmes.
2. Rs 3.0 lakh + GST for accreditation of Agricultural College (s).
3. Rs 2.0 lakh + GST for accreditation of Academic Programmes irrespective of the number of programmes for accreditation.
However, expenditure for conduction of Peer Review for accreditation is to be borne by applicant colleges or universities.
The eligibility criteria for NAEAB application-HAEIs may apply for the accreditation from the NAEAB; ICAR when at least one batch has passed out from college and fulfils all other criteria laid in different provisions. The eligibility criteria of HAEIs are grouped as below:
Agricultural Universities-Different State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), State Veterinary Universities, Central Agricultural Universities (CAU), State Horticultural Universities, State Fisheries Universities and ICAR Deemed-to-be-Universities (DU) etc [3,17] may apply for ICAR accreditation.
Agricultural Colleges (also termed as Schools, Faculties, Institutes)-Autonomous, constituent and affiliated agricultural colleges (offering Degree Programmes in agriculture and allied sciences subjects) in State Agricultural Universities (SAU), State Horticultural Universities, State Veterinary Universities, State Fishery Universities, Central Agricultural Universities (CAU), ICAR Deemed Universities, Private Universities, State Universities, Central Universities, UGC Deemed Universities and others [3,18].
Academic Programmes- Different Bachelor (UG), Master (PG) and PhD. Degree Programmes in agriculture and allied science subjects as per the recommendation of Deans’ Committees, Veterinary Council of India (VCI) and Broad Subject Matter Area (BSMA) Committees of ICAR for various Agricultural Universities and Colleges are eligible for accreditation through NAEAB [3,19].
Latest Format for scoring of NAEAB accreditation- Different Agricultural Universities boast having constituent Colleges depicted under ICAR Model Act (2009 revised) and are established following the broad guidelines outlined by ICAR Model Act. Besides the Colleges and various disciplines, the Agricultural University should adopt strong networks of research centres, KVKs and other extension units set up which are required for effective agricultural education [20,21]. Different colleges, research stations, KVKs and other units should have the status as constituent colleges under university with the same authoritative control. However, none unit shall be recognized as an affiliated unit [22,23]. At present, the NAEAB follows the below mentioned.
Table 7: Criteria, key aspects and pre-determined weightage for Agricultural University M accreditation [24-26]
CriteriaKey AspectsPre- determined Weightage (W)Peer Review Team providing Key Aspect Grade points (KAGP)(4/3/2/1/0)Key Aspect based Weighted Grade Point (KAWGP)
1. Gover- nance1a.Vision, Mission and Goals of applicant403120
1b.Statutes and Regulations40280
1c.University Statutory Officer SelectionProcess as per the Statutes of the University503150
1d.Decentralization of Powers of institutes30130
1e.Supporting Units (Maintenance Cell / SC/ST Cell/ Health Centre)304120
1f.Technology Support20120
1g.Institutional Database + Website update20240
1h.Inter-Departmental Linkages2000
1i.Monitoring Mechanism30130
1j.Institute Quality Assurance Cell / PME Cell30260
1k.Collaboration with relevant Academic Institutions and Industry403120
Sub-total(1a+…+1k)WI=350(KAWGP)i= 770
2.Academic Support2a.Academic Council30
2b.Innovations and Best Practices30
2c.Library/CLINS100
2d.Centre for Excellence/ Advance Studies/ Centre for Advanced Faculty Training (CAFT)etc20
2e.Incubation Centre30
2f.Technology Enabled Learning Resources10
2g.Integrated Learning System(Experiential Learning)10
2h.Academic- Industry Interface10
2i.National Ranking (ICAR/MHRD)10
Sub-total(2a+…+2i)WII=250(KAWGP)II
3.Research Support3a.Research Council/REEC20
3b.Directorate of Research/DREF20
3c.Technologies Developed and their Adoption40
3d.Research Publications (based on the work carried out in University)25
3e.Citation Index/ h Index15
3f.Innovations and Best Practices20
3g.IPR Cell / ITMU20
3h.Central Instrumentation Unit20
3i.Global Support10
3j.CSR Funding10
Sub-total(3a+…+3j)WIII=200(KAWGP)III
4.Extension Support4a.Extension Council/REEC20
4b.Directorate of Extension Education/DREF20
4c.Extension Planning and Technological Impact50
4d.Implementation of National initiatives25
4e.Innovations and Best Practices25
4f.Consultancy/Certification /Testing10
Sub-total(4a+…+4f)WIV=150(KAWGP)IV
5. Faculty and staffDevelopment5a.Recruitment and Promotional Avenues/CAS50
5b.Participation of Faculty in National and International Seminars/Workshops/Symposia60
5c.Incentives to Excellence/FacultyRecognition40
5d.Capacity Building and Training /CBP50
Sub-total(5a+…+5d)WV=200(KAWGP)V
6. Student Development6a.Scholarships / Stipend40
6b.Extra and Co-curricular Activities40
6c.Health Insurance30
6d.Sports and Cultural Facilities50
6e.Student Counseling and Placement Cell60
6f.Disabled Friendly Ability30
Sub-total(6a+…+6f)Wvi=250(KAWGP)VI
7. Infra-structure7a.Physical Facilities Including Administrative Building and Necessary Land preferably own land100
7b.IT Infrastructure25
7c.Student and Staff Amenities25
Sub-total(7a+7b+7c)Wvii=150(KAWGP)VII
8. Financial Resource Management8a.Budget allocation (Salary: Contingency)40
8b.Finance Committee20
8c.Internal Resource Generation50
8d.Resource Mobilization through External Funding50
8e.Financial delegation to Deans and HoDs and others20
8f.Per cent finance utilization in last five years20
Sub-total(8a+…+8f)Wviii=200(KAWGP)VIII
9. Accomplishments9a.Regional,National, InternationalAwards of the University50
9b.Accreditation from ICAR/Other Agencies and Follow up on its Recommendations50
9c.Inter Institutional Standing25
9d.Socio-economic Impact25
9e.International Collaboration50
9f.Fund Raising Through CSR25
9g.Alumni Support25
Sub-total(9a+…+9g)Wix=250(KAWGP)ix
Total of C (w)I-ix= 2000 (CrWGP)I- ix = 6500
CGPAU of the University= ( (CrWGP)I- ix)/ W I- ix6500/2000= 3.25
The Grade point average for the agricultural university (GPAAU)-The NAEAB has made nine criteria like governance, academic support, research support, extension support, faculty and staff development, student development, infrastructure, financial resource development and accomplishment. Under each criterion, there are varieties of key aspects along with pre-determined weightage. The PRT assigns 0/1/2/3/4 points against each key aspect without any decimal. By the use of the guiding indicators and based on actual observations and assessment of the institution (on-spot visit as well as the SSR validation), the Peer Review Team judiciously assign accurate grade points to each of the key aspecton5 point scale (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4). The Key Aspect-wise Weighted Grade Point (KAWGP) is calculated by multiplying the Predetermined Weightage (W) of each Key Aspect with the corresponding Key Aspect Grade Point (KAGP).The predetermined weightage is fixed that is 2000 at present [27]. The sum of KAWGP is calculated by considering all nine criteria.
Grading as well as accreditation of already applicant University- There are four types of grades like A+, A, B and C given to any accredited university. The mean of all colleges under a university is termed as Gc in the grading system. However, the Gu will be the score of the concerned university.
The final grading of the university (Gf) will be Gf = (Gc+Gu)/2, When the score Gf is 2.49 or lower, it is treated that the university is not accredited.
Table 8: Different Grade's corresponding to university score
University Score (Gf)Grade
3.50 or moreA+
3.00-3.49A
2.75-2.99B
2.50-2.75C
2.49 or lessNil/Not accredited
Post-Accreditation monitoring- The HAEI have to submit a comprehensive compliance report in a published format prescribed for Peer Review Team, NAEAB for accreditation of the institution after completion of 2.5 years from the date of accreditation. The compliance report shall be reviewed by the Sectoral Committees/Mid-term Review Committee of NAEAB, New Delhi. Commitments made by universities through undertaking by Registrar office order. Letters to the PRT chairman or in the mid of observation of peer review may be verified along with the observations made during grant of accreditation of applicant [28-30]. Observation of the Committees shall be put up to the next meeting, NAEAB for decision.
Online portal- In order to infuse transparency and efficiency in the accreditation process, the NAEAB decided to implement an online mode process for the invitation of LoI/IEA/Statement of Compliance as well as its preliminary examination. The Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI), New Delhi under the National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) developed the portal (https://accreditation.icar.gov.in/) and it’s Standard Operating Procedure along with the following three Manuals which are available on the Accreditation Portal.
User Manual for NAEAB, Secretariat
User Manual for Regional Centres, NAEAB
User Manual for Registrars of applicant Universities
Table 9: Steps in the NAEAB accreditation process
StepsFunctions
First (1)Online submission of Letter of Intent (LoI), Institutional Eligibility for Accreditation (IEA) and Statement of Compliance (SoC) to NAEAB Secretariat
Within 15 Days
Second (2)Applicant HAEI is communicated by NAEAB
Within 30 Days
Third (3)Self Study Report (SSR) to Regional Centre of the concerned HAEI and Fees to NAEAB deposited
Within 15 Days
Fourth (4)Peer Review Team (PRT) formed by NAEAB
Within 30 Days
Fifth (5)PRT visits HAEI and submits reports to NAEAB
Sixth (6)Accreditation to HAEI by NAEAB for five years
After 2.5 years of date of accreditation to HAEI
Seventh (7)Comprehensive Compliance Report by HAEI to NAEAB
Eighth (8)Accreditation continued next 2.5 years.
Table 10: Ranking of different HAEIs as for 2019 published on 05.12.2020 by ICAR
S NoName of the HAEI under ICAR
1ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal
2Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
3ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
4ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar
5G B Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar
6Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar
7Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana
8Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore
9University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
10Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad
11Dr. Yaswant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni-Solan
12Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar
13Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur
14Ch. Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur
15Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, WB
16ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai
17Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut
18University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
19Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
20Orissa University of Agricultural and Technology, Bhubaneswar
21University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur
22Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai
23Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur
24Anand Agricultural University, Anand
25Central Agricultural University, Imphal
26Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur
27Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri
28Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar
29Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur
30Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh
31Jawahralal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur
32Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner
33Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Hyderabad
34Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural UniveristyVenkataramannagudem, West Godavari
35University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga
36Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur
37Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu
38Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola
39Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Wayanad
40University of Horticultural Science, Bagalkot
41Vasantrao Naik Marathawada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani
42Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari
43Chander Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur
44Rajasthan University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Bikaner
45Sardar KrushinagarDantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar
46West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata
47Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur
48Bihar Agricultural University, Bhagalpur
49Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
50Rajmata VijayarajeScindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior
51Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli
52Agriculture University, Kota
53Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner
54Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Nagapattinam
55Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Coochbehar
56U.P. Pt. DeenDayal Upadhyaya PashuChikitsa Vigyan Vishwa VidhyalayaEvem Go AnusandhanSansthan, Mathura
57Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Panangad
58Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda
59Chhattisgarh Kamdhenu Vishvavidyalaya, Durg
60Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi
61Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya
62Karnataka Veterniary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar
63Agriculture University, Jodhpur
64Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati
65Uttarakhand University of Horticulture & Forestry, Bharsar
66Bihar Animal Sciences University, Patna
67P.V. Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, Hyderabad
Accreditation of agri-education in National Educational Policy-2020 (NEP-2020)- The aim is to increase the gross enrollment ratio in higher education from 26.30% (2018) to 50% by 2035 [31-33]. All the standalone agricultural universities will be multidisciplinary to increase agricultural productivity through better-skilled graduates and technicians, innovative research, market-based extension linked to technology and practices for direct local community development. All professional students should learn artificial intelligence, 3-D monitoring, big data analysis, genome studies, biotechnology, nanotechnology, neuroscience etc. The regulatory authority will be the Higher Education Commission in India (HECI) under the Department of Education, Govt. of India [34,35]. The first vertical of HECI will be the National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC) as a common, single point regulator, second vertical National Accreditation Council (NAC) for accreditation of higher education institutes, third vertical Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC) for funding and financing and fourth vertical General Education Council for evaluation of learning outcome [36] through National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF). Simultaneously, the professional councils in agriculture like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Veterinary Council of India (VCI) and proposed Fishery Council of India (FCI) will act as professional standard-setting bodies (PSSBs).
CONCLUSIONS- In higher education institutes, there are models like Baldridge model, ISO-9001, Capacity maturity model, Six Sigma, Total quality management, Kaizen model, Bennett's quality model, Servqual model and balanced scorecard where no one is complete in the accreditation system. Few organizations undergo two or more accreditation systems instead of single accreditation. In higher educational institutes, NAAC is under UGC, NBA under AICTE and Teach-R model for NCTE with the collaboration of QCI are used in different institutes. But in agricultural institutes, till today, only the NAEAB performs accreditation to evaluate its global acceptance. Few courses under the ICAR system need NBA/AICTE accreditation (Technology/Engineering), VCI recognition (Veterinary Science) and different laboratory need NABL accreditation (ISO 17025: 2017) along with overall institute quality management system (ISO 9001:2015). Future will say whether there is a need for so many accreditations or single accreditation for higher agricultural educational institutes in India as well as the world.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS- The author is thankful to the West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, India for providing the necessary facilities to prepare the manuscript.
CONTRIBUTION OF AUTHORS- One author is only contributed in this article.
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