Accreditation

Accreditation is a formal quality assurance and evaluation process through which a higher education institution or its programmes are assessed against defined standards of educational quality. This process is conducted by an authorized external body to verify that the institution consistently meets established criteria related to academics, governance, resources, and outcomes. 
In simple terms, accreditation determines whether a college, university, or specific programme meets quality benchmarks that ensure effective teaching–learning, institutional integrity, and stakeholder confidence. During this process, an institution undergoes a systematic appraisal by an accrediting agency, which reviews documentation, performance data, and academic practices to judge overall quality compliance. 
Accreditation may be mandated by law or pursued voluntarily, depending on regulatory requirements and institutional aspirations. The ultimate goal is to confirm that the educational offerings and institutional processes are capable of delivering high-quality education. 
Because educational standards evolve over time, accreditation is not permanent — institutions must periodically undergo reassessment to demonstrate continuous alignment with quality standards and to maintain their accredited status. 
There are two principal forms of accreditation:
Institutional Accreditation – Certification that the institution as a whole meets quality standards (e.g., by NAAC in India). 
Program Accreditation – Certification that a specific programme or department adheres to quality norms (e.g., by NBA for technical programmes).