National Board of Accreditation (NBA)

The National Board of Accreditation (NBA) is one of the two primary bodies responsible for the accreditation of higher education institutions in India, alongside the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The NBA specifically accredits technical programs, such as engineering and management, while NAAC focuses on general colleges and universities. Notably, the NBA is a full member of the Washington Accord.

The NBA accredits programs rather than entire institutions, covering diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses. Accredited fields include engineering and technology, management, pharmacy, architecture, applied arts and crafts, computer applications, and hospitality and tourism management.

Although accreditation is voluntary, in 2017, the AICTE announced that it would not approve institutes that failed to accredit at least half of their programs.

AIMT has received NBA accreditation for it’s Computer Science & Engineering Program. Currently, only 12 private colleges and 6 government technical institutes in Uttar Pradesh hold valid NBA accreditation.

Benefits of NBA Accreditation

Accreditation by the NBA promotes and recognizes excellence in technical education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Institutions, students, employers, and the public benefit from the external verification of quality provided through the NBA accreditation process. This process also fosters continuous quality improvement through the NBA’s developmental approach.

The main purposes served by NBA accreditation include:

  • Enhanced Student Performance: Utilizing Outcome-Based Education (OBE) as a metric, the NBA measures student outcomes based on their knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The well-defined curriculum, state-of-the-art lab facilities, and industry exposure prepare students for employment.
  • Assured Graduate Competence: Graduates of NBA-accredited programs possess the academic foundation necessary for successful careers in IT, engineering, and related fields.
  • Promotion of Innovation: NBA accreditation encourages the adoption of new and innovative teaching methods in engineering and related disciplines, while providing guidance and consultation for educational programs.
  • Constructive Feedback: The NBA offers valuable feedback to educational institutions for the improvement and development of their programs.
  • Public Accountability: NBA accreditation demonstrates accountability to the public, assuring stakeholders of the quality of education provided.
  • Commitment to Excellence: Accreditation signifies a clear commitment to maintaining high standards in education.
  • Facilitating Continuous Improvement: NBA accreditation plays a vital role in promoting ongoing quality improvement within higher education institutions.
  • Recognition of Achievements: The NBA acknowledges the innovations and accomplishments of higher learning institutions.
  • Assessment of Institutional Strengths and Weaknesses: Accreditation helps institutions identify their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth.