𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐀𝐀𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭

Srinagar, May 22: The University of Kashmir (KU) is set to undergo a crucial National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) evaluation between May 28 and June 6, which will determine the renewal of its accreditation status. Officials at the university confirmed that all preparations have been finalized and they are fully ready to welcome the NAAC team.

Registrar Dr. Naseer Iqbal stated that the visit could take place on any day within that window, noting that the inspection was initially scheduled by May 15 but was delayed due to security concerns across Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere.

KU currently holds an A+ grade awarded in May 2019, which is valid for five years and now due for renewal. The delay was also linked to NAAC’s ongoing refinement of its assessment framework under the new Maturity-Based Graded Levels (MBGL) system.

A senior university official said they had received formal notification from NAAC regarding the visit window and added that preparations were in full swing. Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan recently chaired a meeting with university heads and senior staff to oversee final arrangements and issued instructions to ensure a smooth process. She also expressed confidence in improving the university’s accreditation rating.

The accreditation involves three main stages: submission of the Institutional Information for Quality Assessment (IIQA), a Self-Study Report (SSR), and the actual peer team visit. KU submitted its IIQA on May 17, 2024, and after clarification, it was approved on July 5, 2024. The SSR was submitted on September 16, 2024, with final approval granted on February 15, 2025, after addressing queries.

NAAC then asked institutions to suggest three preferred time slots for the visit, with KU proposing dates in March, early April, and mid-May. The accreditation process for many institutions, including KU, was delayed due to NAAC’s work on the MBGL framework, following recommendations by the Dr. Radhakrishnan Committee.

According to a NAAC statement from February 15, universities undergoing second or higher cycles of accreditation under the Revised Accreditation Framework (RAF) can retain their current grades until the new systems are implemented. They will then have the choice to opt for either Basic (Binary) or MBGL assessment models. Institutions choosing to proceed under the existing RAF will be evaluated through an online or hybrid (online and in-person) format, with detailed guidelines to follow.

The university remains optimistic and well-prepared as it awaits the NAAC team’s evaluation.