Why your NAAC grade is expiring
The CGPA grading framework is being phased out. Since 10 February 2025, the new NAAC framework for accreditation applications is Binary + MBGL (Binary Accreditation entry + 5-Level Maturity-Based Graded Levels). Existing CGPA grades remain valid until their expiry (typically 5 years from award), but re-accreditation must happen through the new framework. There is no “CGPA renewal” option. CGPA grades awarded in 2021 face expiry in 2026, 2022 awards expire in 2027, 2023 awards in 2028, and so on. NMIMS received the last A++ grade under CGPA in June 2025 with 7-year validity (expiring June 2032) — an exceptional case. Most institutions face the standard 5-year cycle and need to plan their transition now.
The hard truth: If your CGPA grade expires in 2027, your preparation runway started in 2025. Institutions that wait until 2026 to begin Binary + MBGL preparation face documentation gaps, AQAR data inconsistencies, and the risk of losing accreditation status between grade expiry and new framework approval. The transition is operational, not just administrative — it touches AQAR data architecture, NEP 2020 implementation evidence, and integrated NAAC + NBA + NIRF documentation.
CGPA grade expiry timeline 2026-2028
When CGPA grades expire depends on award date. Most CGPA grades have 5-year validity. Here’s the typical expiry pattern:
Grades awarded 2021
Institutions accredited in 2021 face 5-year expiry in 2026. Preparation should be substantially complete by mid-2026 to allow time for new framework application processing.
Grades awarded 2022
Institutions accredited in 2022 face 5-year expiry in 2027 — the largest cohort facing transition. Preparation work should begin no later than mid-2025.
Grades awarded 2023
Institutions accredited in 2023 face 5-year expiry in 2028. Preparation timeline is more relaxed but data architecture should still align with Binary + MBGL from current AQAR.
Special case: NMIMS received the last A++ grade under the CGPA system in June 2025 with 7-year validity (until June 2032). This was the exception, not the rule. Most institutions face 5-year CGPA cycles. Check your NAAC certificate to confirm exact expiry date — don’t assume.
CGPA framework vs Binary + MBGL: what changed
Side-by-side: the legacy CGPA framework versus the new Binary + MBGL framework. Understanding what changed helps institutions plan the transition.
| Dimension | Legacy CGPA Framework | Binary + MBGL (Feb 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Grading system | A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C, D | Binary (Accredited/Not) + MBGL Levels 1-5 |
| Validity period | 5 years (7 years for NMIMS exception) | 3 years per MBGL Level |
| Assessment basis | CGPA score on 7 criteria | Binary outcome + maturity-based Level |
| Data architecture | Manual DCF submission | DCF 2025 + One Nation One Data Platform |
| NEP 2020 alignment | Limited explicit alignment | Explicit alignment to NEP 2020 priorities |
| Multi-disciplinary recognition | No specific designation | MBGL Level 5 = Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education |
| Cross-validation | Limited | AISHE / UGC / AICTE / UDISE+ cross-checks |
| Assessment levels 1-2 | CGPA-based | Digital (DCF + AI assessment) |
| Assessment levels 3-5 | CGPA-based | Expert validation + site visits |
| AQAR cycle | Yearly under 5-year cycle | Yearly under 3-year Level cycle |
| Re-accreditation pathway | CGPA renewal (no longer available) | Binary + MBGL application (only path) |
| Available for new applications | No (phased out) | Yes (since 10 February 2025) |
The transition reality: Institutions are not just “renewing” their accreditation — they are migrating to a different framework. The new framework demands different documentation, different data architecture, different evidence types. Treating CGPA-to-MBGL as a routine renewal underestimates the operational complexity.
The 5-step CGPA-to-MBGL action plan
What institutions facing grade expiry must do, in operational sequence. The earlier you start, the smoother the transition.
Confirm exact grade expiry date
Check your NAAC certificate and NAAC portal records to confirm the exact expiry date of your current CGPA grade. Don’t assume; verify. Build 18-24 months of preparation runway before expiry — this is not over-engineering, it’s the timeline most successful transitions follow.
- Locate official NAAC accreditation certificate
- Verify validity end date on certificate and NAAC portal
- Calculate preparation runway needed (18-24 months minimum)
- Set internal deadline 6-12 months before grade expiry
Evaluate Binary + MBGL Level targeting
Decide whether to apply for Binary Accreditation alone (entry-level pathway) or pursue specific MBGL Level transition (Levels 1-5). Strong CGPA institutions (A, A+, A++) typically target Levels 3-5. Mid-tier CGPA institutions target Levels 2-3. The decision affects evidence depth and timeline.
- Benchmark institutional maturity against MBGL Level descriptors
- Review Level-specific criteria requirements
- Realistic targeting (don’t over-stretch)
- Consider future Level upgrade pathway
Begin AQAR data architecture work immediately
Your current AQAR cycle data must support both legacy CGPA closure and new Binary + MBGL preparation. The smart approach: structure new AQAR data so it serves both frameworks — single source feeding both. This avoids running two parallel data collection processes.
- Map current AQAR data to DCF 2025 structure
- Identify NEP 2020 implementation evidence gaps (FYUP, ABC, multidisciplinary)
- Build MBGL Level-specific evidence streams
- Establish single-source data architecture for both frameworks
Audit institutional data against DCF 2025 and One Nation One Data Platform
The new framework cross-validates against AISHE, UGC, AICTE, UDISE+ data. Inconsistencies between your institutional data and these external sources will be flagged. Audit and reconcile now — before applying.
- Cross-check institutional data against AISHE submission
- Verify UGC submission consistency
- Reconcile AICTE data (for technical institutions)
- Document any explained variances
Submit new framework application 6-12 months before grade expiry
Don’t wait until grade expiry to submit. New framework applications require processing time, possible expert validation visits (for Levels 3-5), and possible follow-up. Submit 6-12 months before current CGPA grade expiry to ensure continuity of accreditation status.
- Complete Binary + MBGL application package
- Pay applicable fees
- Submit through NAAC portal
- Track processing and respond to follow-up promptly
The pattern of success: Institutions that begin Step 3 (data architecture work) at least 18 months before grade expiry have the cleanest transitions. Institutions that begin in the final 6 months face documentation chaos, AQAR rework, and the genuine risk of accreditation gap. Start now.
7 common CGPA-to-MBGL transition challenges
Institutions transitioning from CGPA to Binary + MBGL commonly face these characteristic challenges. Knowing them in advance helps you plan around them.
⚠️ Where CGPA-to-MBGL transitions get stuck
- AQAR data inconsistencies between CGPA cycle and new framework — institutions running legacy AQAR collection while preparing MBGL evidence find data definitions diverging
- NEP 2020 implementation gaps — multidisciplinary courses, FYUP transition, ABC enrolment evidence is required for higher MBGL Levels but may not have been prioritised under CGPA
- One Nation One Data Platform reconciliation — institutional data must align with AISHE, UGC, AICTE; mismatches trigger flags. Many institutions discover the inconsistencies only at application time
- MBGL Level over-targeting — institutions accustomed to high CGPA grades may target MBGL Levels beyond their actual readiness, risking rejection
- MBGL Level under-targeting — conversely, conservative institutions may apply for Binary or Level 1-2 when their institutional maturity supports Level 3+
- Timeline compression — starting preparation 6 months before grade expiry creates compressed timelines that increase application risk
- Faculty and staff awareness — the institutional team needs to understand the new framework. Cycles where IQAC alone understands MBGL produce thin evidence
The Edhitch observation: The institutions that transition cleanly invariably treat CGPA-to-MBGL as a strategic project with senior leadership ownership — not an IQAC-administrative exercise. VC or Director-level engagement, cross-functional team coordination, and 18-24 month timeline produce the best outcomes.
AQAR documentation during the transition
The most operationally complex part of CGPA-to-MBGL transition is running AQAR documentation for both frameworks simultaneously during the transition window.
Dual-framework AQAR strategy
AQAR documentation during the CGPA-to-MBGL transition must serve dual purposes. (1) Continue legacy CGPA cycle AQAR submission until grade expiry (the existing 7-criteria, Part A + Part B format under CGPA continues). (2) Begin building Binary + MBGL evidence architecture in parallel — DCF 2025 data structure, MBGL Level-specific criteria evidence, NEP 2020 implementation data. The smart approach is to structure new AQAR data so it serves both frameworks — single source feeding both. This avoids the operational pain of running two parallel data collection processes. Institutions that wait until grade expiry to start MBGL preparation face documentation gaps. See our AQAR Format 2026 guide for the new framework documentation structure.
The data architecture principle: Don’t treat AQAR documentation as two separate exercises. Treat institutional data as one architected layer that surfaces evidence for both legacy CGPA closure AND new Binary + MBGL preparation. The same faculty count, student enrolment, research output data feeds both. The difference is in how the data is structured for the new framework requirements.
Software support for the CGPA-to-MBGL transition
The dual-framework period (legacy CGPA closure + new Binary + MBGL preparation) is operationally complex enough that integrated software is increasingly essential.
What CGPA-to-MBGL transition software does
Dual-framework AQAR documentation (legacy CGPA closure data + new Binary + MBGL preparation data from a single architected source). DCF 2025 data architecture for the new framework. MBGL Level-specific evidence tracking by Level descriptor. Cross-validation against AISHE, UGC, AICTE per One Nation One Data Platform requirements. NEP 2020 implementation evidence capture (FYUP, ABC, multidisciplinary courses). Audit trail documentation for both legacy and new applications. Edhitch NAAC SSR & AQAR Software is specifically designed for the CGPA-to-MBGL transition period — the architecture scales from legacy CGPA AQARs through Binary + MBGL applications without requiring data migration or rework.
Frequently asked questions
When do NAAC CGPA grades expire?
NAAC CGPA grades expire progressively across 2026, 2027, and 2028 under the legacy grading framework. The exact expiry depends on when the grade was awarded and its specific validity period. Most CGPA grades were valid for 5 years from award date, so institutions accredited in 2021 face expiry in 2026, institutions accredited in 2022 face expiry in 2027, and so on. NMIMS received the last A++ grade under CGPA in June 2025 with 7-year validity (expiring June 2032). Institutions facing 2026-2028 expiry need to plan their transition to the Binary + MBGL framework, which is the new NAAC accreditation system operative since 10 February 2025.
What happens when my NAAC grade expires?
When a NAAC CGPA grade expires, the institution loses its accreditation status until re-accreditation is obtained. The expired institution cannot claim NAAC accreditation in any official communication, regulatory filings, or institutional documentation. Funding, regulatory permissions, and student admission processes that require active NAAC accreditation may be impacted. Re-accreditation must be obtained through the new Binary + MBGL framework since the legacy CGPA system is no longer operative for new applications. The transition is not automatic — institutions must apply for re-accreditation through NAAC portal.
What is the Binary + MBGL framework?
Binary + MBGL is the new NAAC accreditation framework operative since 10 February 2025. Binary Accreditation provides a two-state assessment (Accredited or Not Accredited) for entry-level institutional accreditation. MBGL (Maturity-Based Graded Levels) provides 5 progressive maturity levels: Level 1 (Basic), Level 2 (Developing), Level 3 (Established), Level 4 (Institutions of National Excellence), Level 5 (Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education). Each MBGL Level is valid for 3 years, compared to the 5-year CGPA cycle. The framework is aligned with NEP 2020 and uses the One Nation One Data Platform for cross-validation against AISHE, UGC, AICTE, and other institutional data sources. See our MBGL framework guide.
What is the 5-step action plan for grade expiry?
The 5-step action plan for institutions facing NAAC grade expiry: (1) Confirm exact grade expiry date by checking NAAC certificate and portal records. Build 18-24 months of preparation runway before expiry. (2) Evaluate Binary + MBGL Level targeting — decide whether to apply for Binary only (entry level) or pursue MBGL Level transition (Levels 1-5). (3) Begin AQAR data architecture work immediately — current AQAR cycle data must support both legacy CGPA closure and new Binary + MBGL application. (4) Audit institutional data against DCF 2025 requirements and One Nation One Data Platform expected cross-validations. (5) Submit new framework application 6-12 months before grade expiry to ensure continuity. The Edhitch advisory team specialises in this transition operation.
Can I stay under CGPA framework?
No, the CGPA grading framework is being phased out. The Binary + MBGL framework is the only NAAC accreditation framework for new applications since 10 February 2025. Institutions with current CGPA grades retain those grades until expiry (2026-2028 for most), but re-accreditation must happen through Binary + MBGL. There is no option to renew under CGPA. The transition is mandatory, with the exception that NMIMS-style 7-year validity grades extend further into the future. Most institutions should plan their CGPA-to-MBGL transition now rather than treating it as a future problem.
How does AQAR work during the transition?
AQAR documentation during the CGPA-to-MBGL transition must serve dual purposes. (1) Continue legacy CGPA cycle AQAR submission until grade expiry (the existing 7-criteria, Part A + Part B format under CGPA continues). (2) Begin building Binary + MBGL evidence architecture in parallel — DCF 2025 data structure, MBGL Level-specific criteria evidence, NEP 2020 implementation data. The smart approach is to structure new AQAR data so it serves both frameworks — single source feeding both. This avoids the operational pain of running two parallel data collection processes. Institutions that wait until grade expiry to start MBGL preparation face documentation gaps.
What MBGL Level should I target?
MBGL Level targeting depends on institutional readiness and ambition. (1) Institutions with strong CGPA grades (A, A+, A++) typically target MBGL Levels 3-5, as their institutional maturity supports higher Level designation. (2) Institutions with mid-tier CGPA (B+, B++) typically target Levels 2-3, with future cycles aimed at Level upgrades. (3) Institutions with B or B- CGPA may start with Binary Accreditation as entry level, then target MBGL Level progression. The MBGL Level transition is a separate process from initial Binary application — institutions choose whether to pursue Level designation alongside or after Binary. The decision affects evidence depth required, timeline, and software support needs. Edhitch advisory provides Level-targeting diagnostic.
What software support is needed during transition?
The CGPA-to-MBGL transition is operationally complex enough that integrated software is increasingly essential. Software support during transition handles: dual-framework AQAR documentation (legacy CGPA closure data + new Binary + MBGL preparation data), DCF 2025 data architecture for the new framework, MBGL Level-specific evidence tracking, cross-validation against AISHE, UGC, AICTE data per One Nation One Data Platform, NEP 2020 implementation evidence (FYUP, ABC, multidisciplinary), and audit trail documentation for both legacy and new applications. Edhitch NAAC SSR & AQAR Software is specifically designed for the CGPA-to-MBGL transition period, with the architecture scaling from legacy CGPA AQARs through Binary + MBGL applications.
CGPA-to-MBGL Transition Consult
30-minute session with our NAAC transition team. We’ll review your current CGPA grade expiry, recommend MBGL Level targeting, identify AQAR documentation gaps, and lay out the operational sequence for clean transition.
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