MLSU Faces Ranking Dilemma: 'A' Grade Maintained, Yet Concerns Arise with NAAC's 8-Grade System

Udaipur- In a significant turn of events, Mohanlal Sukhadia University (MLSU) in Udaipur finds itself grappling with the ramifications of the altered grading system instituted by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

In a recent assessment by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), MLSU has been awarded an 'A' grade under the current 8-grade structure. This marks the first evaluation under the expanded grading system introduced in 2016.

Notably, MLSU had secured an 'A' grade in 2014 under the previous 4-grade system, positioning it at the 2nd rank in the NAAC rankings. However, the shift to the 8-grade system has introduced a nuanced challenge. While the grade remains consistent, the change in the overall structure has led to a perceived decline in rank.

The concern stems from the fact that maintaining an 'A' grade in the 8-grade system does not equate to the same ranking as achieved in the 4-grade era. This shift has the potential to impact the university's standing and raises apprehensions about the implications for the thousands of students studying under the affiliated colleges.

This change has triggered concerns and implications for Sukhadia University. Vice Chancellor Prof. Sunita Mishra has raised an appeal for reconsideration, citing the shift in NAAC rules post-2016. Under the new rules, 'A' now stands as the third grade, in contrast to the university's 'A' grade attainment in 2014, where, under the rules of 2007, it was positioned as the second-highest grade.

Despite maintaining the same grade, the university has slipped one place to the third position. Hopes that Sukhadia University would ascend one grade to the coveted 'A++' were dashed. This development is expected to cast a shadow over the perception of the 1.90 lakh students enrolled in constituent-affiliated colleges, along with concerns for the university administration.

It's worth noting that a 6-member team from NAAC conducted a thorough inspection of the university from November 6th to 8th, returning with a comprehensive report that has triggered these discussions and appeals for a reassessment of the grading status.

According to University sources, the alteration from a 4-grade system, in place since 2007, to the current 8-grade framework by NAAC has added complexity to the situation. The initial descriptors such as 'Very Good,' 'Good,' 'Satisfactory,' and 'Unsatisfactory' were discontinued in favour of a Grade Point Average (CGPA) based system, introducing A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C, and D as the new grades.

This shift in grading methodology has not only impacted Sukhadia University's standing but has broader implications for how institutions are evaluated and ranked nationally.

In recent developments in the realm of higher education accreditation, Ravenshaw University in Odisha achieved the prestigious A++ grade from the NAAC, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence. In contrast, Dibrugarh University has experienced a notable decline in its NAAC ranking, moving from an A to a B++, prompting a need for introspection and improvement.

Meanwhile, Milagres College Kallianpur has received a noteworthy A+ grade with a commendable CGPA of 3.29 from NAAC.

Adding to these achievements, Marwadi University (MU) in Rajkot, Gujarat, established in 2016, has also secured an 'A+' accreditation from NAAC.

In another update, Tirupati University received a revised A+ grading, further solidifying its position among institutions dedicated to delivering quality higher education. These diverse developments highlight the dynamic nature of accreditation processes and the continuous efforts of educational institutions to enhance and maintain their standards in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education in India.

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