BHU Without NAAC Grade for Six Years, Set to Apply for Accreditation This Year

BHU: A Prestigious Institution Without NAAC Accreditation

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is one of the most prestigious institutions in India, attracting students not only from across the country but also from around the world. However, it may come as a surprise that BHU has been operating without a NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) grade for the past six years. Despite being selected under the Institute of Eminence (IoE) scheme, the university has not undergone a NAAC evaluation since 2019.

In 2015, BHU was awarded an ‘A+’ grade by NAAC. However, since the accreditation period expired in 2019, the university has not applied for re-evaluation. Now, university officials are preparing to submit an application for NAAC accreditation this year. Interestingly, all affiliated colleges of BHU have secured NAAC grades of ‘A’ or higher in the past two years, while the parent institution has been waiting for re-evaluation for the last six years.

Previous NAAC Evaluation of BHU

NAAC last evaluated BHU in March 2015. A team of experts, led by Prof. S.P. Tyagarajan of Chennai University, assessed the university on seven key parameters over several days. Following the evaluation, BHU was awarded an A+ grade for four years. However, when the accreditation period ended in 2019, the university did not apply for re-evaluation.

In contrast, other top institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Delhi University (DU) have consistently updated their NAAC accreditation. JNU currently holds an A++ grade, while Delhi University has an A+ grade.

Why Has BHU Not Applied for NAAC Re-Evaluation?

In the past five years, BHU has witnessed the full tenure of two vice-chancellors, but the administration did not prioritize NAAC accreditation even after being selected under the Institute of Eminence (IoE) scheme. However, top university officials have now confirmed that they are actively working on curriculum development, teaching standards, student facilities, research, and patents to prepare for the upcoming NAAC evaluation this year.

Awaiting a New Vice-Chancellor for NAAC Application

BHU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain, completed his tenure on January 6, 2025. Since then, the university has been functioning under an acting vice-chancellor for more than two months. Sources indicate that the process of selecting a new vice-chancellor is in the final stage, with the Ministry of Education expected to announce the appointment soon.

It is believed that once the new vice-chancellor takes office, the NAAC re-evaluation process will be expedited.

Why NAAC Accreditation is Important for Universities

NAAC accreditation plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and credibility of higher education institutions. Some key benefits include:

• Improvement in Academic Standards: External evaluation helps universities identify areas for improvement in teaching, research, and infrastructure.
• Better Funding Opportunities: Government agencies and funding bodies often prioritize accredited institutions for grants and financial support.
• Enhanced Employability for Students: A good NAAC grade boosts job opportunities for students, as many employers consider accreditation while recruiting graduates.
• National and International Recognition: Institutions with higher NAAC grades gain better recognition and credibility at both national and global levels.

Despite being a top-ranking university, BHU’s lack of NAAC accreditation for six years has raised concerns about its academic evaluation and institutional credibility. With plans to apply for NAAC evaluation this year and a new vice-chancellor expected to be appointed soon, BHU is likely to regain its accreditation and strengthen its academic standing in the coming months.