Chitkara University in Himachal Pradesh, India has received an A+ rating from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), placing it among the top 5% of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in the country. The university has been praised for its excellent infrastructure, green and eco-friendly campus, government-recognized incubation and start-up ecosystem, and technology transfer. The institution has earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.42 on a 4-point scale, which led to this recognition.
Dr. Ashok K Chitkara, the Chancellor of Chitkara University, expressed his gratitude to the students, staff, and faculty for their hard work in securing this recognition. He also praised the university’s well-defined research promotion policy, which has led to the development of state-of-the-art advanced facilities. Moreover, the university’s Global Week has enabled students and faculty members to participate in exchange programs with foreign academic institutions, leading to dynamic collaborations through internationally funded research projects, international conferences, and cultural immersion experiences on campus.
The Pro Chancellor of Chitkara University, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, expressed her sincere thanks to all stakeholders and highlighted the standardised procedures used to develop curricula, which are regularly revised based on feedback from all stakeholders. The university employs experimental, participative, and project-based learning techniques through blended learning modes, and has adopted a flexible CBCS system that allows students to pursue a multidisciplinary approach.
NAAC is an autonomous body of the University Grants Commission (UGC) that assesses and accredits higher education institutions (HEIs). It has identified a set of seven criteria to serve as the basis of its assessment procedures: Curricular Aspects; Teaching-learning & Evaluation; Research, Innovations & Extension; Infrastructure & Learning Resources; Student Support & Progression; Governance, Leadership & Management; and Institutional Values & Best Practices.
The NAAC accreditation process allows the university to identify its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities through an informed review process. The higher the NAAC grade of the university, the greater the opportunities for intra and inter-institutional interactions. Being an alumnus of a reputable institution provides instant recognition and offers greater job opportunities as industries tend to prefer hiring from higher-rated institutions.
Chitkara University has a successful record of creating some brilliant start-ups, such as Chai Nagri, ROBO Champs, SD Academia, and many more. The university’s Alumni Association Network (CAAN) mission is to enable alumni, students, faculty, and staff to maintain their contact with the university and each other for their shared benefit and for the vital support and development of Chitkara.