Primary Aim of IQAC

• To develop a system for conscious, consistent and catalytic action to improve the academic and administrative performance of the institution.
• To promote measures for institutional functioning towards quality enhancement through internalization of quality culture and institutionalization of best practices.

Strategies (As per NAAC)

IQAC shall evolve mechanisms and procedures for:

• Ensuring timely, efficient and progressive performance of academic, administrative and financial tasks.
• Ensuring the relevance and quality of academic and research programmes.
• Providing equitable access to and affordability of academic programmes for various sections of society.
• Optimization and integration of modern methods of teaching and learning.
• Ensuring the credibility of evaluation procedures.
• Ensuring the adequacy, maintenance and proper allocation of support structure and services.
• Sharing research findings and networking with other institutions in India and abroad.

Functions (As per NAAC)

Some of the major functions expected of the IQAC are:

• Development and application of quality benchmarks/parameters for various academic and administrative activities.
• Facilitating the creation of a learner-centric environment conducive to quality education and faculty development.
• Arranging feedback from students, parents and other stakeholders on institutional quality processes.
• Dissemination of information on quality parameters of higher education.
• Organization of inter and intra institutional workshops, seminars and quality circles.
• Documentation of programmes and activities leading to quality improvement.
• Acting as the nodal agency for coordinating quality-related activities and dissemination of best practices.
• Development and maintenance of institutional database through MIS.
• Development of quality culture within the institution.
• Preparation of the Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR) as per NAAC guidelines.

Benefits of IQAC

• Ensures clarity and focus in institutional functioning towards quality enhancement.
• Promotes internalization of quality culture.
• Enhances coordination among various institutional activities.
• Institutionalizes best practices.
• Provides a sound basis for decision-making.
• Acts as a dynamic system for quality enhancement in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
• Develops an organized methodology of documentation and internal communication.

Meeting Guidelines

Role of the IQAC Coordinator (As per NAAC)

The Coordinator of IQAC plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective functioning of the Cell. The coordinator should preferably be a senior academician or administrator having expertise in quality assurance. The coordinator may work as a full-time functionary or may initially hold the responsibility in addition to existing duties. Secretarial assistance should be provided by the institution. It is desirable that the coordinator possesses sound computer knowledge and communication skills for efficient management of IQAC activities.

Operational Features of IQAC (As per NAAC)

Quality assurance is a continuous process involving the definition of institutional objectives, preparation of work plans, implementation of activities and evaluation of outcomes. The IQAC promotes continuous improvement rather than institutional control. It ensures that all educational activities are carried out efficiently and effectively while maintaining high standards.

The IQAC establishes procedures and systems to collect institutional data and information. The Coordinator and Secretary play a major role in implementing these functions. The IQAC derives support from existing institutional units and adapts its operational mechanisms according to the specific needs of the institution.

Monitoring Mechanism (As per NAAC)

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are required to submit the Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR) to NAAC every year. A functional IQAC and timely submission of AQARs are considered Minimum Institutional Requirements (MIR) for applying for second, third and subsequent cycles of accreditation.

During institutional visits, NAAC Peer Teams interact with the IQAC to review its functioning, quality initiatives and progress made by the institution.

The AQAR may form part of the institution's Annual Report and should be approved by the statutory bodies such as the Governing Council, Syndicate or Board of Management before implementation of quality enhancement measures.

Every Higher Education Institution should maintain a dedicated IQAC section on its official website for regularly updating activities, reports, best practices and Annual Quality Assurance Reports (AQARs).