When you compare universities for an online degree, you will see grades like NAAC A++, A+ and A on almost every page. They are one of the clearest signals of a university’s quality in India, and they also decide which universities are allowed to offer online programs at all. Here is what the grades mean and how to use them.
What is NAAC?
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an autonomous body set up by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to assess and accredit higher education institutions in India. It is based in Bengaluru.
During an assessment, NAAC looks at a university’s teaching and learning, curriculum, research, infrastructure, student support, governance and best practices. The result is a score called the CGPA (cumulative grade point average) on a four-point scale, and a letter grade based on that score.
The NAAC grades
- A++: CGPA of 3.51 to 4.00, the highest grade
- A+: 3.26 to 3.50
- A: 3.01 to 3.25
- B++: 2.76 to 3.00
- B+: 2.51 to 2.75
- B: 2.01 to 2.50
- C: 1.51 to 2.00
- D: 1.50 or below, which means not accredited
An accreditation normally lasts five years, after which the university is assessed again. That is why it is worth checking the year a grade was awarded, not only the grade.
Why NAAC matters for online degrees
Under the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, a university needs a NAAC score of at least 3.26, or a place in the NIRF top 100 for universities, to offer online programs, along with other conditions. In practice, that means universities offering online degrees are usually graded A+ or above.
So a NAAC grade tells you two things: the university has been independently assessed, and it meets one of the main conditions for running online programs. For the full picture on validity, read our guide Is an online degree valid in India?
Does A++ make a big difference over A+?
Both are strong grades. A++ is the top band and signals an excellent assessment, which can matter for employers and for further study. But the grade is only one factor. The right program, specialisation and support for you matter just as much as a small difference in score.
Among NeoSkill’s partner universities, those graded A++ include Andhra University, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Guru Nanak Dev University and JAIN (Deemed-to-be University). Many others hold A+. You can see every university’s grade on our universities page.
How to check a university’s NAAC grade
- Look up the university on the official NAAC website and note the grade and the year it was awarded.
- Check that the accreditation is still current, not expired.
- Compare it with what the university or admission partner tells you. They should match.
At NeoSkill we show each university’s approvals on its page, and our counsellors will walk you through them before you enrol. Talk to a counsellor if you would like us to check a university for you.
NAAC is changing
NAAC has announced changes to how it accredits institutions. Grades already awarded remain valid for their period, but the system may look different in future. Always check the current status on the NAAC website before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is NAAC the same as UGC approval?
No. UGC, through its Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB), approves universities to offer online programs. NAAC assesses the overall quality of the institution. For an online degree you want both.
Do Institutes of National Importance need NAAC grades?
Institutes of National Importance, such as the IITs and IIITs, are set up by Acts of Parliament and are recognised on that basis. They are not graded in the same way as universities that come under UGC.