As per NEP 2020, consider the following two statements : Statement I: The second vertical of Higher Education Commission of India will be a 'meta accrediting body', called National Accreditation Council (NAC) Statement II: In the long run, it is envisaged that accreditation will become a binary process, as per extant global practice. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
Understanding NEP 2020 Higher Education Reforms: HECI and Accreditation
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduced significant proposed reforms for the higher education sector in India. One key proposal is the restructuring of regulatory bodies under the umbrella of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI). The policy also outlines changes to the existing accreditation system to improve quality and transparency.
Analysis of Statement I: HECI Vertical - National Accreditation Council (NAC)
Statement I says: The second vertical of Higher Education Commission of India will be a 'meta accrediting body', called National Accreditation Council (NAC).
- NEP 2020 proposes setting up the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) as a single overarching umbrella body for higher education, excluding medical and legal education.
- HECI is planned to have four independent verticals to carry out distinct functions.
- These four verticals are:
- National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC) - for regulation.
- National Accreditation Council (NAC) - for accreditation.
- Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC) - for funding.
- General Education Council (GEC) - for standard setting.
- According to the policy document, the second vertical is indeed the National Accreditation Council (NAC).
- The NAC's function is described as a 'meta-accrediting body'. This means it will set the overall criteria and methodologies for accreditation, but the actual accreditation processes would likely be carried out by various independent accreditation institutions under its oversight.
Based on the provisions outlined in the NEP 2020, Statement I accurately describes the role and name of the second vertical of the proposed HECI.
Thus, Statement I is true.
Analysis of Statement II: Accreditation Process in NEP 2020
Statement II says: In the long run, it is envisaged that accreditation will become a binary process, as per extant global practice.
- NEP 2020 aims to reform the current accreditation system which often involves complex grading.
- The policy envisions that, in the long run, accreditation will evolve into a binary process.
- A binary process typically means an institution is either accredited (meaning it meets minimum threshold standards) or not accredited.
- This binary accreditation is proposed to focus on minimum quality standards, institutional integrity, and financial viability.
- Beyond the binary accreditation, institutions would be encouraged to participate in a transparent system of graded accreditation, ranking, and rating based on other relevant metrics.
- The policy mentions that this move towards a binary accreditation process aligns with the approach adopted in many countries globally, where initial accreditation focuses on meeting minimum standards.
Based on the provisions outlined in the NEP 2020, Statement II accurately reflects the envisaged future direction for the accreditation process, moving towards a binary system focused on minimum standards, and notes its alignment with global practice.
Thus, Statement II is true.
Conclusion
Both Statement I, regarding the National Accreditation Council (NAC) as the second vertical and meta-accrediting body of HECI, and Statement II, regarding the long-term vision of accreditation becoming a binary process aligned with global practice, are true as per the provisions of the NEP 2020.
| Statement | Description | Validity (as per NEP 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Statement I | HECI's second vertical is NAC, a meta-accrediting body. | True |
| Statement II | Accreditation is envisaged to become a binary process, aligning with global practice. | True |
Revision Table: Key NEP 2020 Points on HECI and Accreditation
| Concept | NEP 2020 Provision |
|---|---|
| HECI | Proposed single umbrella body for higher education (excluding medical/legal). |
| HECI Verticals | Four independent verticals: NHERC, NAC, HEGC, GEC. |
| National Accreditation Council (NAC) | Second vertical of HECI; serves as a meta-accrediting body. |
| Accreditation Reform | Move towards a binary system (Accredited/Not Accredited) for minimum standards. |
| Binary Accreditation Purpose | Ensure minimum quality, integrity, and viability. |
| Post-Binary Accreditation | System of graded accreditation, ranking, and rating for quality improvement. |
Additional Information on NEP 2020 Higher Education Structure
Beyond the specific points about HECI verticals and binary accreditation, NEP 2020 proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the higher education landscape. The aim is to transform higher education institutions into large, multidisciplinary universities and colleges with high-quality teaching, learning, and research.
- Institutional Restructuring: Focus on moving towards large multidisciplinary institutions and forming clusters/Knowledge Hubs.
- Faculty Development: Emphasis on motivating, energizing, and capacitating faculty through revised service conditions, career progression, and continuous professional development.
- Curriculum and Pedagogy: Promotion of liberal arts education, flexibility in curriculum, multidisciplinary study, and innovative pedagogy.
- Governance: Proposal for governance reform based on autonomy and empowering Boards of Governors (BoGs) for institutions.
- Funding: Establishment of the Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC) under HECI, consolidating funding mechanisms.
These reforms collectively aim to create a more accessible, equitable, and high-quality higher education system in India, aligning it with global standards and best practices.
Important Questions from National Policy on Education (NPE)
- Major thrusts of National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986, were:
A. State level planning and coordination through state council for higher education
B. Expansion of open universities and distance education system
C. Establishment of National Assessment Centre PARAKH
D. Conferring autonomous status on selected colleges
E. Establishment of two multidisciplinary education and research universities (MERU) in each state
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below : Out of the following statements about the regulatory body in the field of higher education, which is not correct ?
- National policy on education 1986, had emphasised the following
According to NEP 2020, what percentage of learners of schools and higher education system shall have exposure to vocational education by 2025.
According to NEP (2020), the fundamental principles that will guide both the education system at large and individual institutions within it are:
A. Ethical, human and constitutional values
B. Extensive use of technology
C. Emphasis on conceptual understanding
D. Creative and critical thinking
E. Substantial investment in strong, vibrant, private education system
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
