GUWAHATI, Nov 4: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has been awarded the accreditation rating of “A Grade” by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous body established by the UGC to assess and accredit institutions of higher education in the country.
This is for the first time in the North East that a private university has been awarded NAAC “A” rank in its first cycle of assessment, a statement from USTM said.
The assessment was based on criteria covering key factors such as infrastructure, emphasis on research and innovation, curriculum and faculty.
The result of the assessment was cleared in the meeting of the standing committee of NAAC held on Wednesday and shall remain valid for the next five years.
“The highest body of evaluation for the Universities and Colleges in the country held series of meetings with the Vice-Chancellor, Heads of the Departments, Deans and other members of the University. The Peer Team visited all departments, centers, cells and examined the activities, facilities and interacted with the faculty, staff and students, besides examining all records maintained by the University,” the statement said.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma congratulated the chancellor, vice chancellor, professors, officers, staff, management council members, students of USTM for the achievement.
Taking to Twitter, the chief minister said, “Congratulations to the USTM for being accredited A Grade by NAAC in the 1st cycle, a significant milestone for the faculty & the University. My best wishes.”
Congratulatory messages for the University have also poured in from academic fraternity from across the country and the globe.
Expressing his gratitude, USTM chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, said, “I am very grateful to the Meghalaya Government for standing behind us and continuously supporting us in our endeavours.’’