National Board of Accreditation: NBA

Introduction
The National Board of Accreditation (NBA), India was initially established by AICTE (All India
Council of Technical Education) under section 10(u) of AICTE act, in the year 1994, for
periodic evaluations of technical institutions & programmes basis according to specified
norms and standards as recommended by AICTE council. NBA in its present form came into
existence as an autonomous body with effect from 7th January 2010, with the objective of
Assurance of Quality and Relevance of Education, especially of the programmes in
professional and technical disciplines, i.e., Engineering and Technology, Management,
Architecture, Pharmacy and Hospitality, through the mechanism of accreditation of programs
offered by technical institutions. NBA has introduced a new process, parameters and criteria
for accreditation. These are in line with the best international practices and oriented to
assess the outcomes of the programme.

Why Accreditation ?

Support and advice to technical Institutions in the maintenance and enhancement of

their quality of provision.

Confidence and assurance on quality to various stakeholders including students.

Assurance of the good standing of an Institution to government departments and

other interested bodies.

Enabling an Institution to state publicly that it has voluntarily accepted independent

inspection and has satisfied all the requirements for satisfactory operation and
maintenance of quality in education.
Impact of Accreditation

Encourages quality improvement initiatives by Institutions,

Improves student enrollment both in terms of quality and quantity,

Helps the Institution in securing necessary funds,

Enhances employability of graduates,

Facilitates transnational recognition of degrees and mobility of graduates and

professionals,

Motivates faculty to participate actively in academic and related Institutional /

departmental activities,
 Helps create sound and challenging academic environment in the Institution, and
Contributes to social and economic development of the country by producing high
quality technical manpower.

Benefits to Students
Students studying in NBA accredited Institutions can be assured that they will receive
education which is a balance between high academic quality and professional relevance and
that the needs of the corporate world are well integrated into programmes, activities and
processes. It signifies that he has entered the portals of an Institution, which has the
essential and desirable features of quality professional education.
Need of Accreditation

Funding decisions

State recognition of qualification/ certification of professionals

Accountability of Institutions to stakeholders

Encouraging self improvement initiatives by Institutions

Quality assurance of educational programme.

Accreditation Process
Conclusion
Accreditation may be summarized as a process, based on professional judgment, for
evaluating whether or not an educational Institution or programme meets specified

standards of educational quality. Its primary purpose is to assure prospective students and
public that graduates of an Institution, conducting various programmes, have achieved a
minimum level of competence in their chosen fields of study, thus serving as a form of
consumer protection. In many countries, accreditation is the legal responsibility of ministry
of education or other governmental agencies.