What are NAAC Grades?
NAAC grades are institutional accreditation designations awarded by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) to higher education institutions in India based on a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) calculated across 7 criteria. Under the legacy CGPA framework, there are 8 grades from A++ (highest, CGPA 3.51-4.00) to D (not accredited, CGPA below 1.50). Since 10 February 2025, NAAC operates the Binary + MBGL framework for new applications while existing CGPA grades remain valid until expiry.
Complete NAAC Grading Scale
The NAAC CGPA grading framework used prior to 10 February 2025 has 8 distinct grade tiers. Each grade corresponds to a specific CGPA range and reflects the institution’s performance across the 7 NAAC criteria: Curricular Aspects, Teaching-Learning and Evaluation, Research Innovations and Extension, Infrastructure and Learning Resources, Student Support and Progression, Governance Leadership and Management, and Institutional Values and Best Practices.
| Grade | CGPA Range | Performance Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A++ | 3.51 – 4.00 | Exceptional | Accredited (Highest Tier) |
| A+ | 3.26 – 3.50 | Very Good | Accredited |
| A | 3.01 – 3.25 | Very Good | Accredited |
| B++ | 2.76 – 3.00 | Good | Accredited |
| B+ | 2.51 – 2.75 | Good | Accredited |
| B | 2.01 – 2.50 | Satisfactory | Accredited |
| C | 1.51 – 2.00 | Marginal | Accredited |
| D | ≤ 1.50 | Below Threshold | Not Accredited |
Institutions with CGPA below 1.50 are not accredited under the CGPA framework. Grades A++ through C are considered valid accreditation status.
How Long is NAAC Accreditation Valid?
NAAC Grade Validity Period
NAAC accreditation under the legacy CGPA framework is valid for 5 years from the date of award, regardless of which grade the institution receives. An institution accredited with any grade from A++ to C in 2023 holds that accreditation until 2028. NMIMS is the single documented exception, receiving the last A++ grade under CGPA in June 2025 with a 7-year validity extending to June 2032. Under the new Binary + MBGL framework, each MBGL Level designation is valid for 3 years rather than 5, requiring more frequent renewal in exchange for a continuous improvement model.
| Framework | Validity Period | Renewal Path |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy CGPA (A++ to C) | 5 years | Re-accreditation via Binary + MBGL on expiry |
| NMIMS A++ (exception) | 7 years | Valid to June 2032, then Binary + MBGL |
| Binary + MBGL Levels | 3 years | Level renewal or progression to higher Level |
Are NAAC Grades Still Being Awarded?
Current Status of CGPA Grades
No. New NAAC grades under the legacy CGPA framework (A++ to D) are no longer being awarded. Since 10 February 2025, NAAC has processed all new accreditation applications through the Binary + MBGL framework. The last A++ grade under CGPA was awarded to NMIMS in June 2025. Existing CGPA grades remain fully valid until their expiry date, and institutions holding them retain accredited status. But when those grades expire, re-accreditation is a fresh application under Binary + MBGL, not a renewal of the old grade.
This creates three distinct situations for Indian institutions in 2026:
- Holding a valid CGPA grade with time remaining: Your grade stands. Use the remaining period to build evidence architecture that works under both frameworks. No immediate action required, but preparation window matters.
- CGPA grade expiring within 24 months: Begin transition preparation now. Confirm your exact expiry date from your NAAC certificate, evaluate MBGL Level targeting, and align your AQAR data to DCF 2025 expectations. See the NAAC Grade Renewal 2027 Guide.
- Applying for first-time accreditation: You apply directly under Binary + MBGL. CGPA grades are not available to you. Target Binary Accreditation first, then MBGL Level designation.
NAAC Grade Meanings Explained
Each NAAC grade represents a specific tier of institutional performance under the CGPA framework. Below is a detailed breakdown of what each grade means, including the CGPA range, performance interpretation, and typical institutional characteristics.
What Does NAAC A++ Grade Mean?
NAAC A++ (A Plus Plus) is the highest grade under the legacy CGPA framework, awarded to institutions with CGPA scores between 3.51 and 4.00. A++ institutions demonstrate exceptional performance across all 7 NAAC criteria including research output, world-class infrastructure, robust governance, exemplary student outcomes, and mature institutional practices. Historically only a small percentage of NAAC-accredited institutions achieve A++ status. NMIMS received the last A++ grade in June 2025 with an exceptional 7-year validity period. For deeper coverage, see the complete NAAC A++ grade meaning guide.
What Does NAAC A+ Grade Mean?
NAAC A+ grade means the institution has a CGPA between 3.26 and 3.50, indicating Very Good institutional performance. A+ sits between A++ (3.51-4.00) and A (3.01-3.25). A+ institutions demonstrate strong performance in teaching-learning, research, infrastructure, and governance but fall short of the exceptional A++ threshold. A+ accreditation reflects institutional maturity across most criteria, with typically one or two criteria at exceptional levels and others at very good levels. A+ accreditation is valid for 5 years from the award date.
What Does NAAC A Grade Mean?
NAAC A grade means the institution has a CGPA between 3.01 and 3.25, indicating Very Good institutional performance. A grade is the third-highest tier under the CGPA framework, sitting below A+ (3.26-3.50) and A++ (3.51-4.00) but above B++ (2.76-3.00). A grade institutions demonstrate strong performance across the 7 NAAC criteria with consistent quality in teaching-learning, research contributions, infrastructure adequacy, governance structures, and student support systems. A grade is widely recognized as a strong accreditation status.
What Does NAAC B++ Grade Mean?
NAAC B++ grade means the institution has a CGPA between 2.76 and 3.00, indicating Good institutional performance. B++ sits below A grade (3.01-3.25) but above B+ grade (2.51-2.75). B++ institutions demonstrate satisfactory to good performance across most NAAC criteria but have specific improvement areas to reach A grade. Common improvement areas include research output quality, infrastructure enhancement, faculty qualifications, and student outcome tracking. B++ accreditation is valid for 5 years.
What Does NAAC B+ Grade Mean?
NAAC B+ grade means the institution has a CGPA between 2.51 and 2.75, indicating Good performance. B+ sits between B++ (2.76-3.00) and B (2.01-2.50). B+ institutions show good performance in some criteria but face substantive gaps in others, often in research contributions, infrastructure modernization, or student support systems. B+ institutions with improvement focus can progress to B++ or A grade in subsequent accreditation cycles.
What Does NAAC B Grade Mean?
NAAC B grade means the institution has a CGPA between 2.01 and 2.50, indicating Satisfactory performance. B grade sits between B+ (2.51-2.75) and C (1.51-2.00). B grade institutions meet baseline quality thresholds but have significant improvement areas across multiple criteria. B grade institutions are still considered accredited, though the accreditation reflects need for substantial institutional development to reach the A tier grades.
What Does NAAC C Grade Mean?
NAAC C grade means the institution has a CGPA between 1.51 and 2.00, indicating Marginal performance. C grade is the lowest accredited grade under the CGPA framework, sitting just above the D threshold (below 1.50, not accredited). C grade institutions meet minimum accreditation thresholds but have substantial gaps across most NAAC criteria. C grade institutions require intensive institutional development to move to higher grades in subsequent cycles.
What Does NAAC D Grade Mean?
NAAC D grade means the institution has a CGPA below 1.50 and is NOT accredited. D grade indicates the institution failed to meet the minimum quality thresholds required for NAAC accreditation under the CGPA framework. D grade institutions do not receive valid NAAC accreditation. To gain accreditation, D grade institutions must undertake substantial institutional development and reapply through the accreditation process. Under the new Binary + MBGL framework (post 10 February 2025), the equivalent designation is “Not Accredited” status.
How is NAAC Grade Calculated? The CGPA Methodology
How CGPA Determines NAAC Grade
NAAC calculates the institutional CGPA as a weighted aggregate score on a scale of 0 to 4 across 7 criteria. Each criterion produces a criterion-wise Grade Point Average (GPA) based on scores across sub-criteria (Key Indicators). The CGPA is the weighted sum of all criterion GPAs, and the grade letter is assigned based on which CGPA range the score falls into.
The 7 NAAC Criteria and Their Weights
Under the legacy CGPA framework, NAAC evaluates institutions across 7 criteria with differentiated weights depending on institution type (University vs Autonomous College vs Affiliated College). The weights are:
| Criterion | Focus Area | University Weight | College Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Curricular Aspects | 150 | 100 |
| 2 | Teaching-Learning and Evaluation | 200 | 350 |
| 3 | Research, Innovations and Extension | 250 | 110 |
| 4 | Infrastructure and Learning Resources | 100 | 100 |
| 5 | Student Support and Progression | 100 | 140 |
| 6 | Governance, Leadership and Management | 100 | 100 |
| 7 | Institutional Values and Best Practices | 100 | 100 |
Total: 1000 points across 7 criteria. Weights vary between institution types to reflect different institutional missions and structures.
CGPA Calculation Steps
The CGPA calculation follows a systematic process:
- Sub-criterion scoring: Each of the 7 criteria has multiple Key Indicators (KIs). Each KI receives a numerical score based on institutional data submitted through the Self-Study Report (SSR) and validated through Data Validation and Verification (DVV).
- Criterion-wise GPA: Sub-criterion scores are aggregated using specific weights to produce a Grade Point Average for each of the 7 criteria on a scale of 0 to 4.
- Peer Team evaluation: A NAAC Peer Team visits the institution and validates evidence. Their assessment adjusts scores where required.
- Weighted aggregation: The 7 criterion GPAs are combined using the criterion weights (1000 total points) to produce the institutional CGPA.
- Grade assignment: The final CGPA is mapped to a grade letter based on the CGPA ranges (A++ for 3.51-4.00, A+ for 3.26-3.50, and so on).
Important: Under the new Binary + MBGL framework operational since 10 February 2025, the CGPA calculation methodology no longer applies for new applications. Binary accreditation is a pass/fail determination against 10 institutional attributes, and MBGL Levels are assigned based on maturity descriptors, not CGPA. Existing CGPA grades from the legacy framework remain valid until expiry.
Are You Reading This For Your Institution?
Most people who land on this page are checking what a grade means. But if you sit inside an institution — IQAC Coordinator, Registrar, Dean, Vice Chancellor — the grade itself is not the question. The question is what happens next.
“Our grade expires soon”
Your CGPA grade does not renew as a CGPA grade. Re-accreditation is a fresh application under Binary + MBGL, and the preparation window is 18–24 months, not 6.
Read the renewal timeline →“We want to move up a grade”
Grade movement is an evidence problem before it is a quality problem. Most institutions that stall at B++ have the substance but not the documentation architecture.
Discuss your grade gap →“We are applying for the first time”
CGPA grades are not available to you. You apply under Binary first, then MBGL Level. Different framework, different evidence expectations.
See the MBGL framework →Which NAAC Grade is the Highest?
Highest NAAC Grade
The highest NAAC grade is A++ (A Plus Plus) under the legacy CGPA framework, awarded to institutions with CGPA scores in the range 3.51 to 4.00. A++ represents the top tier of institutional quality assessment. Under the new Binary + MBGL framework operational since 10 February 2025, the highest designation is MBGL Level 5 (Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education).
Legacy Framework: A++ Was the Top Grade
Under the CGPA-based framework, A++ (CGPA 3.51-4.00) was the highest possible grade. Only a small percentage of NAAC-accredited institutions historically achieved A++ status, making it the most prestigious designation for Indian higher education institutions. A++ institutions were typically research-intensive universities, well-established autonomous colleges, and select private universities with mature institutional structures.
New Framework: MBGL Level 5 is the Top Tier
Since 10 February 2025, the highest designation under NAAC’s new framework is MBGL Level 5: Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education. Level 5 is specifically designed to recognize institutions that demonstrate global excellence combined with multi-disciplinary depth, aligning with NEP 2020 priorities. The 5 MBGL Levels are:
| Level | Designation | Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| L5 | Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education | Highest tier |
| L4 | Institutions of National Excellence | Second tier |
| L3 | Established | Third tier |
| L2 | Developing | Fourth tier |
| L1 | Basic | Entry level |
For a complete guide to the MBGL framework, see the NAAC MBGL Maturity-Based Graded Levels Guide.
Legacy CGPA Grades vs New Binary + MBGL Framework
NAAC announced the transition from the CGPA grading framework to Binary + MBGL on 10 February 2025. Understanding the difference between the two frameworks is essential for institutions planning re-accreditation.
Legacy CGPA Framework
Grading: A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C, D (8 grades)
Score basis: CGPA on 0 to 4 scale
Criteria: 7 criteria, 1000 points total
Validity: 5 years from award
Status: Discontinued for new applications since 10 February 2025. Existing grades valid until expiry.
New Binary + MBGL Framework
Binary: Accredited or Not Accredited (10 attributes)
MBGL Levels: L1 Basic to L5 Global Excellence (5 Levels)
Score basis: Maturity descriptors, not CGPA
Criteria: Preserved 7 criteria continue as reference
Validity: 3 years per MBGL Level designation
Status: Operational for all new NAAC applications since 10 February 2025.
What Institutions Should Do About This Transition
Institutions with existing CGPA grades (A++ to C) retain their grades until the 5-year validity expires. Upon expiry, re-accreditation goes through the new Binary + MBGL framework. Institutions applying for first-time accreditation after 10 February 2025 apply directly under the new framework. There is no direct mapping from CGPA grades to MBGL Levels since the frameworks measure different things, but institutions previously holding A++ or A+ typically target MBGL Level 4 or 5. For institutions facing near-term grade expiry, see the NAAC Grade Renewal 2027 Guide.
How to Check the NAAC Grade of a College
Where to Find NAAC Grade Information
To check the NAAC grade of any college in India, visit the official NAAC website at naac.gov.in and use the Accredited Institutions search feature. You can search by institution name, state, or grade. The NAAC portal displays the current grade, CGPA score, cycle number, date of accreditation, and validity period. Most institutions also display their NAAC accreditation details prominently on their own websites in the About or Recognition section.
Step-by-Step: Finding a College’s NAAC Grade
- Visit naac.gov.in: Navigate to the official National Assessment and Accreditation Council website.
- Go to Accredited Institutions: Look for the Accredited Institutions or Institutional Grading link in the main navigation.
- Search by institution name: Enter the college or university name. You can also filter by state, grade, or accreditation cycle.
- Review the record: The search result shows the institution’s current NAAC grade (A++ to C for CGPA framework, or Binary + MBGL for new framework), CGPA score, cycle number (1st, 2nd, 3rd cycle), date of accreditation, and validity period.
- Verify on institution website: Cross-check with the institution’s official website. Institutions typically display their accreditation certificate and grade prominently.
Understanding Cycle Numbers
NAAC accreditation cycles indicate how many times an institution has been accredited. First cycle means the institution’s first NAAC accreditation. Second cycle means re-accreditation after the first 5-year cycle expired. Third cycle means re-accreditation after the second cycle expired. Fourth or higher cycles indicate long-established institutions with continuous NAAC accreditation history. Cycle numbers matter because higher cycles generally reflect more mature institutional data architecture and NAAC relationship.
NAAC Full Form and Background
What is NAAC?
NAAC full form is National Assessment and Accreditation Council. NAAC is an autonomous body established in 1994 by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to assess and accredit higher education institutions in India. NAAC’s role is to evaluate institutional quality across multiple criteria and award accreditation designations that indicate the institution’s quality tier. NAAC is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
NAAC’s Institutional Role
NAAC serves as the primary institutional accreditation authority in India for universities and colleges. Unlike programme-specific accreditation (which is handled by bodies like NBA for engineering programmes, MCI for medical, BCI for law), NAAC evaluates the institution as a whole. NAAC accreditation is often a prerequisite for various government schemes, UGC recognition, funding eligibility, and student admissions to specific programmes. Many state governments and central bodies mandate NAAC accreditation for institutional benefits.
NAAC Ranking vs NAAC Grading
NAAC does not produce a ranking list. NAAC produces institutional grades or MBGL Level designations that indicate quality tier, not comparative rankings. Rankings for Indian higher education institutions come from other frameworks like the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), which produces annual rankings across categories. NAAC accreditation is often used alongside NIRF rankings by students and institutions for evaluation purposes. NAAC assesses institutional quality; NIRF ranks institutional performance.
NAAC Grade Comparisons
Difference Between NAAC A+ and A++
A+ (CGPA 3.26-3.50) and A++ (CGPA 3.51-4.00) differ by CGPA range and quality tier. A++ institutions demonstrate exceptional performance across all 7 NAAC criteria. A+ institutions demonstrate very high performance but fall short of the top A++ threshold. The gap between the top of A+ (3.50) and the bottom of A++ (3.51) is 0.01 CGPA, but institutional performance differences underneath that gap are usually more substantial. A++ institutions typically excel in multiple criteria while A+ institutions may have one or two criteria at exceptional levels balanced by others at very good levels. For a dedicated comparison, see the A+ vs A++ difference guide.
Difference Between NAAC A and A+
A (CGPA 3.01-3.25) and A+ (CGPA 3.26-3.50) differ by 0.25 CGPA range. Both are considered strong accreditation status representing Very Good performance. The distinction lies in the depth and consistency of institutional performance across criteria. A+ institutions typically demonstrate one or more criteria at excellent levels combined with strong overall performance. A grade institutions demonstrate consistent good-to-very-good performance without necessarily excelling in specific criteria.
Difference Between B++ and A Grade
B++ (CGPA 2.76-3.00) and A (CGPA 3.01-3.25) sit on either side of the 3.00 boundary. This 3.00 threshold is significant because it represents the transition from Good performance to Very Good performance. Institutions moving from B++ to A typically make substantive improvements in research output, infrastructure quality, faculty qualifications, or student outcomes. The improvement from B++ to A is often the focus of institutional development plans between accreditation cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions About NAAC Grades
Is NAAC A grade good?
Yes, NAAC A grade is considered a strong accreditation status. It indicates Very Good institutional performance with CGPA between 3.01 and 3.25. A grade institutions demonstrate quality across teaching-learning, research, infrastructure, governance, and student support. While A+ and A++ sit above it, A grade is widely recognized as a high-quality accreditation designation.
What CGPA is required for A++ NAAC grade?
A++ requires a CGPA between 3.51 and 4.00 on the 0 to 4 scale used by NAAC. This is the highest grade under the CGPA framework. Achieving A++ typically requires exceptional performance across all 7 NAAC criteria, particularly in research, infrastructure, teaching-learning outcomes, and institutional governance.
How many NAAC grades are there?
Under the legacy CGPA framework, there are 8 grades: A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C, and D. The first 7 grades (A++ to C) represent accredited status while D represents Not Accredited. Under the new Binary + MBGL framework, institutions receive Binary Accreditation status plus one of 5 MBGL Levels (L1 to L5).
Are NAAC grades still valid after February 2025?
Yes, existing CGPA-based grades (A++ to C) remain valid until their 5-year expiry period ends. Only new applications after 10 February 2025 use the Binary + MBGL framework. An institution accredited with A grade in 2023 remains A grade until 2028, then applies for re-accreditation under the new framework.
What is NAAC accreditation validity period?
NAAC accreditation under the legacy CGPA framework is valid for 5 years from the award date, regardless of grade tier. NMIMS received an exceptional 7-year validity for the last A++ grade in June 2025. Under the new Binary + MBGL framework, each MBGL Level designation is valid for 3 years, requiring more frequent renewal.
Does NAAC grade matter for students?
NAAC grade matters for students considering an institution because it reflects institutional quality across 7 criteria including teaching-learning, research, infrastructure, and student support. Higher grades (A++, A+, A) typically indicate stronger institutional resources and outcomes. However, NAAC grade is one of several evaluation factors students consider, alongside NIRF rankings, programme-specific accreditation, placement records, and personal fit.
Can NAAC grade change after 5 years?
Yes, NAAC grades change through re-accreditation cycles. Institutions can move up (from B++ to A, for example) if they demonstrate improved performance across criteria, or move down if performance declines. Many institutions target grade improvement between cycles through focused development in specific criteria. Under the new Binary + MBGL framework, MBGL Level progression is designed to be continuous and forward-moving.
What is naac grade kya hai (what is NAAC grade)?
NAAC grade is the accreditation designation awarded by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council to Indian higher education institutions. Under the CGPA framework, grades range from A++ (highest, CGPA 3.51-4.00) to D (below 1.50, not accredited). NAAC grade indicates institutional quality across 7 criteria and is valid for 5 years from award.
Which NAAC grade is best?
NAAC A++ is the best grade under the CGPA framework, awarded to institutions with CGPA between 3.51 and 4.00. Under the new framework, MBGL Level 5 (Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education) is the highest designation. Both represent the top tier of institutional quality assessment.
How is NAAC different from NIRF?
NAAC and NIRF serve different purposes. NAAC assesses institutional quality across criteria and awards grade designations (accreditation). NIRF ranks institutions annually across categories based on Teaching-Learning-Resources, Research, Graduation Outcomes, Outreach and Inclusivity, and Perception. NAAC grade tells you the institution’s quality tier. NIRF rank tells you how the institution compares to others in its category. Both are considered together for institutional evaluation.
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