What is NAAC A++ grade?
NAAC A++ (A Plus Plus) is the highest grade under the legacy CGPA grading framework used by NAAC for institutional accreditation prior to 10 February 2025. A++ is awarded to institutions with a CGPA score in the range 3.51 to 4.00 across the 7 NAAC criteria. The A++ designation represents the top tier of institutional quality assessment under the CGPA system, reserved for institutions demonstrating excellence in teaching learning, research, infrastructure, governance, student support, and best practices. As of 10 February 2025, the CGPA grading system has been replaced by Binary + MBGL for new applications, though existing A++ grades remain valid until their expiry (typically 5 years from award, with NMIMS receiving the last A++ in June 2025 with 7-year validity until June 2032).
The current status of A++: A++ grades are no longer being awarded. The last A++ grade under CGPA was awarded in June 2025 (to NMIMS, with 7-year validity until June 2032). All A++ grades issued previously remain valid until their 5-year expiry, but re-accreditation must happen through the new Binary + MBGL framework. Institutions previously holding A++ are now targeting MBGL Levels 4 or 5 as their post-transition designation. The equivalent prestige under the new framework comes through Level 4 (Institutions of National Excellence) or Level 5 (Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education).
The complete CGPA grading structure
The full NAAC CGPA grading framework. A++ sits at the top of the 8-tier system. Each grade corresponds to a specific CGPA score range based on institutional performance across 7 criteria.
| Grade | CGPA Score Range | Tier Description |
|---|---|---|
| A++ | 3.51 – 4.00 | Top tier — excellence across all 7 criteria |
| A+ | 3.26 – 3.50 | Strong performance — high quality across criteria |
| A | 3.01 – 3.25 | Good performance — established institutional quality |
| B++ | 2.76 – 3.00 | Above average performance |
| B+ | 2.51 – 2.75 | Average performance with some strengths |
| B | 2.01 – 2.50 | Below average — improvement needed |
| C | 1.51 – 2.00 | Significant improvement needed |
| D | ≤ 1.50 | Not accredited — below minimum threshold |
The historical context: Under CGPA, only a small percentage of NAAC-accredited institutions achieved A++ status — reflecting its position as the top grade. A++ institutions span universities, autonomous colleges, deemed universities, and select private institutions across multiple disciplines. With CGPA phase-out, the “top tier” designation transitions to MBGL Levels 4 and 5 under the new framework.
A++ in the Binary + MBGL transition
There is no direct one-to-one mapping from CGPA grades to MBGL Levels — the frameworks measure different things. CGPA measured average performance across 7 criteria; MBGL measures maturity progression on Level-specific descriptors. However, institutions previously holding A++ typically have the institutional maturity to target the upper MBGL Levels.
A++ → MBGL Level targeting patterns
A++ CGPA institutions
Top-tier institutions with CGPA 3.51-4.00 under legacy framework. Strong across all 7 criteria.
MBGL Level 5
“Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education” — if multidisciplinary maturity is present.
A++ CGPA institutions
(alternative path for institutions without explicit multi-disciplinary structure)
MBGL Level 4
“Institutions of National Excellence” — the alternative top-tier designation for A++ institutions targeting national leadership.
The specific Level target depends on institutional priorities, multidisciplinary capacity, research output, and NEP 2020 alignment.
The Level choice for former A++ institutions: If the institution has genuine multidisciplinary structure (multiple disciplines under one academic umbrella with cross-disciplinary research programmes), Level 5 is the natural target. If the institution is excellent within its primary domain but not structured as multidisciplinary, Level 4 (National Excellence) is the appropriate target. Institutions can move from Level 4 to Level 5 in future cycles as multidisciplinary structures develop.
The NMIMS A++ special case
NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) is the most-cited reference case for the CGPA-to-MBGL transition because it received the last A++ grade under CGPA with exceptional validity.
NMIMS A++ — June 2025 award, 7-year validity until June 2032
NMIMS received the last A++ grade under the legacy CGPA framework in June 2025, with an exceptional 7-year validity period extending to June 2032. This was the final A++ grade awarded under CGPA — subsequent NAAC applications have been processed under the new Binary + MBGL framework operative since 10 February 2025.
The 7-year validity (rather than the standard 5-year cycle) is an outlier and not the norm. Most A++ grades have 5-year validity. NMIMS’s extended validity reflects specific provisions in their accreditation cycle that don’t apply to most institutions.
What this means for other A++ institutions: Don’t expect 7-year validity. Check your specific NAAC certificate to confirm exact expiry. Most A++ grades awarded 2020-2024 face 2025-2029 expiry under the standard 5-year cycle. See our NAAC Grade Expiry action plan for the operational transition guidance.
If you currently hold A++ (or want A++ equivalent)
Two distinct scenarios for institutions concerned about A++ status. Both have clear operational paths.
Scenario 1: You currently hold A++, grade expiring 2026-2028
Begin preparation 18-24 months before expiry. Confirm exact expiry date from your NAAC certificate. Evaluate MBGL Level targeting (typically Level 4 or Level 5 for A++ institutions). Begin AQAR data architecture work that supports both legacy CGPA closure and new Binary + MBGL preparation. Audit institutional data against DCF 2025 and One Nation One Data Platform expectations. Submit new framework application 6-12 months before grade expiry. Full operational plan in our NAAC Grade Expiry action plan.
Scenario 2: You want the new-framework equivalent of A++
Target MBGL Level 5 (Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education) if your institution has genuine multidisciplinary structure. Target MBGL Level 4 (Institutions of National Excellence) if your strength is concentrated in a primary domain. Both represent the “top tier” under the new framework. Plan for the 3-year MBGL Level validity (shorter than CGPA’s 5-year cycle). Build NEP 2020 implementation evidence (FYUP, ABC, multidisciplinary courses) into your AQAR data architecture from now. See our complete MBGL framework guide for Level-specific requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is NAAC A++ grade?
NAAC A++ (A Plus Plus) is the highest grade under the legacy CGPA grading framework used by NAAC for institutional accreditation prior to 10 February 2025. A++ is awarded to institutions with a CGPA score in the range 3.51 to 4.00 across the 7 NAAC criteria. The A++ designation represents the top tier of institutional quality assessment under the CGPA system, reserved for institutions demonstrating excellence in teaching learning, research, infrastructure, governance, student support, and best practices. As of 10 February 2025, the CGPA grading system has been replaced by Binary + MBGL for new applications, though existing A++ grades remain valid until their expiry.
What is the CGPA score range for A++?
The CGPA score range for A++ is 3.51 to 4.00. The complete CGPA grading structure is: A++ for 3.51 to 4.00, A+ for 3.26 to 3.50, A for 3.01 to 3.25, B++ for 2.76 to 3.00, B+ for 2.51 to 2.75, B for 2.01 to 2.50, C for 1.51 to 2.00, and D for less than 1.50. CGPA is calculated based on institutional performance across 7 NAAC criteria. Institutions with CGPA below 1.50 are not accredited under the CGPA system.
How long is NAAC A++ valid?
NAAC A++ grades are typically valid for 5 years from the date of award under the legacy CGPA framework. This means A++ grades awarded in 2021 expire in 2026, 2022 awards expire in 2027, and so on. NMIMS received the last A++ grade awarded under CGPA in June 2025 with an exceptional 7-year validity period extending to June 2032. This was an unusual case. Most A++ institutions face 5-year cycles. After grade expiry, institutions must apply for re-accreditation through the new Binary + MBGL framework operative since 10 February 2025, since the CGPA framework is no longer accepting new applications.
How many institutions in India have NAAC A++?
The number of A++ accredited institutions in India varies year to year as grades are awarded, expire, and renewed. Historically, only a small percentage of NAAC-accredited institutions have achieved A++ status, reflecting its position as the top grade. A++ institutions span universities, autonomous colleges, deemed universities, and select private institutions across multiple disciplines. The NAAC official portal maintains the current list of accredited institutions with their grades. As CGPA grades expire 2026 to 2028, institutions previously holding A++ are transitioning to MBGL Level designation, typically targeting Levels 3 to 5.
Is A++ equivalent to any MBGL Level?
There is no direct one-to-one mapping from CGPA grades to MBGL Levels, as the frameworks measure different things. CGPA measured average performance across 7 criteria; MBGL measures maturity progression on Level-specific descriptors. However, institutions previously holding A++ typically have the institutional maturity to target MBGL Level 3 (Established), Level 4 (Institutions of National Excellence), or Level 5 (Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education). The specific Level target depends on institutional priorities, multidisciplinary capacity, research output, and NEP 2020 alignment. Many former A++ institutions are targeting Level 4 or 5 as their post-transition designation.
Can institutions still get A++ now?
No, the A++ grade is no longer being awarded for new accreditation applications. Since 10 February 2025, NAAC has been operating the Binary + MBGL framework, which uses different grading mechanisms (Binary Accredited or Not Accredited, plus MBGL Levels 1 to 5). The last A++ grade under CGPA was awarded to NMIMS in June 2025 with 7-year validity. Going forward, institutions seeking high-tier NAAC designation should target MBGL Levels 4 or 5. The equivalent prestige under the new framework comes through MBGL Level 4 (Institutions of National Excellence) or Level 5 (Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education) designations.
What happens to my A++ when it expires?
When an A++ grade expires (typically 5 years after award), the institution loses NAAC accreditation status until re-accreditation is obtained through the new Binary + MBGL framework. This is not a renewal of A++; it is a fresh application under the new framework. Institutions facing A++ expiry should begin preparation 18 to 24 months before expiry: confirm exact expiry date, evaluate MBGL Level targeting (typically Levels 3 to 5 for former A++ institutions), build AQAR documentation that supports both legacy CGPA closure and new framework preparation, audit institutional data against DCF 2025 and One Nation One Data Platform requirements, and submit new framework application 6 to 12 months before grade expiry. See our complete CGPA-to-MBGL action plan.
Why was the CGPA system replaced?
The CGPA grading system was replaced by Binary + MBGL as part of NAAC reforms announced on 10 February 2025 by NAAC EC Chair Anil D Sahasrabudhe. The reforms were driven by alignment with NEP 2020 priorities including multidisciplinary education, data architecture modernisation through One Nation One Data Platform cross-validation against AISHE / UGC / AICTE / UDISE+, the introduction of MBGL Level 5 specifically rewarding multi-disciplinary excellence, and the desire for a maturity-based progression model that incentivises continuous institutional development rather than periodic CGPA assessment. The new framework is designed for the post-NEP 2020 higher education landscape.
A++ Transition or MBGL Level Targeting
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