Established in 1994, NAAC is governed by a general council and executive committee. This committee, composed of administrators, policy makers and top educators, holds the power of determining which schools are accredited. The process for accreditation starts with a self-study report from the college. A team from NAAC goes to the college to evaluate the self-study, make independent findings and then file a recommendation to the executive committee. Central to the process is the evaluation of the self-study, with the team having detailed instructions and guidelines on this evaluation.
Beginning April 1, 2007 NAAC implemented new methodology in making its assessments. It involves evaluating teaching, curriculum, infrastructure, student support, research and governance. The new methods require all colleges accredited prior to that time to be reassessed. Each college receives a number grade based upon the 4.0 system along with a letter grade of A, B ,C or D. A grade of "C" must be attained for accreditation.
The complete list of NAAC accredited colleges, including those that had to be reassessed, from April 1, 2007 through September 4, 2010 fills 91 pages. It can be accessed through the link in Resources. Each school has its number and letter score next to its name and location. The first college listed is Andhra University located in Visakhapatnam. On the top of its website it promotes its accreditation by NAAC, stating that it received a score of 3.65 which translates into an "A." Another example from the list is Karnatak University in Dharwad. It also promotes accreditation with its "A" score.
The NAAC warns institutions not to misrepresent to the public their status as to accreditation. NAAC promises to take action if misleading information is presented. NAAC provides a list of colleges that at one time were accredited but are no longer (see Resources).