Chapter IX QUALITY ASSURANCE, ACCREDITATION AND ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Promotion of Academic Excellence and Research.—

1. (1) Every Private University established under this Act shall endeavor to promote excellence in higher education, research, innovation and academic development in accordance with the standards prescribed by the University Grants Commission and other competent statutory bodies.
2. (2) The university shall establish appropriate institutional mechanisms to promote research, innovation and interdisciplinary academic activities including the creation of research centres, incubation facilities and collaboration with national and international institutions.
3. (3) The university shall ensure that teaching, research, and extension activities are conducted in accordance with academic, ethical and quality standards prescribed by the competent regulatory authorities from time to time.

Mandatory Accreditation.—

1. (1) Every Private University established under this Act shall obtain institutional accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council or any other accreditation agency recognized by the University Grants Commission within a period of five years from the date of commencement of its academic operations.
2. (2) The University shall initiate the process of accreditation within such period as may be prescribed and, in any case, not later than three years from the commencement of its academic operations, so as to ensure timely assessment.
3. (3) The university shall comply with all norms, procedures and quality benchmarks prescribed by the accreditation agency for the purpose of accreditation.
4. (4) In case the university fails to obtain accreditation within the stipulated period, the Government may, after providing the university an opportunity of being heard, take such measures as it may deem appropriate, including—
   • (i) issuing directions for compliance within a specified period ;
   • (ii) restricting the opening of new courses or programs ;
   • (iii) restricting increase in student intake, or taking such other regulatory measures as may be prescribed.
5. (5) Every Private University shall ensure periodic renewal or reaccreditation in accordance with the norms prescribed by the accreditation agency.

Maintenance of Academic Standards.—

1. (1) Every Private University shall maintain academic and research standards în accordance with the regulations and guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission and other relevant regulatory bodies.
2. (2) The University shall implement mechanisms for internal quality assurance. including the establishment of an Internal Quality Assurance Cell
   • (IQAC) or such other body as may be prescribed.
3. (3) The University shall submit periodic reports relating to academic performance, research output, accreditation status, and quality assurance measures to the Government or the competent authority as may be specified.