MBGL = Maturity-Based Graded Levels. It is the National Assessment and Accreditation Council’s (NAAC) post-2025 accreditation framework that classifies Indian higher education institutions into five progressive maturity levels — from Level 1 (Basic) to Level 5 (Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education). MBGL was announced by NAAC on 10 February 2025 alongside the Binary Accreditation Framework, replacing the legacy CGPA-based grading system (A++, A+, A, B, C). Each MBGL Level is valid for 3 years. MBGL is designed to track institutional growth over time — unlike the static CGPA grade which provided only a snapshot.
In short: MBGL fundamentally reframes NAAC accreditation from a static grade to a maturity ladder. Binary Accreditation answers “Are you accredited?”; MBGL answers “How mature are you?”. The 5 levels span from Level 1 (Basic, minimum compliance) through Level 3 (Established, hinted as the new Deemed University threshold) to Level 5 (Institutions of Global Excellence). Levels 1-2 use fully digital assessment; Levels 3-5 add expert validation through presentations and structured interviews. Each Level is valid 3 years, after which institutions reapply and either sustain, climb, or fall. RAF applications closed 30 June 2024 — institutions holding CGPA grades retain them until expiry, then transition to Binary + MBGL.
What is MBGL? The full form and framework intent
MBGL stands for Maturity-Based Graded Levels. It is a five-tier classification system for Indian higher education institutions that have cleared the Binary Accreditation Framework. The architectural intent is to move NAAC quality assurance from a snapshot model (one grade, valid for 5 years, gives no signal of trajectory) to a trajectory model (level placement plus visible movement up or down across cycles).
The framework is rooted in the recommendations of the Dr. K. Radhakrishnan Committee, which examined the state of NAAC accreditation post-2020 and identified three structural problems: the CGPA grading system created perverse incentives where institutions optimised for letter grades rather than substantive quality; the 5-year validity cycle was too long for an environment where higher education was changing rapidly; and the physical peer team visit process had become vulnerable to corruption and inconsistency. The Binary + MBGL design addresses all three.
NAAC announced MBGL formally on 10 February 2025. The Binary Accreditation Framework is the mandatory entry tier (institutions are either “Accredited” or “Not Accredited”); MBGL is the optional progression tier (accredited institutions can apply for placement on the 5-level maturity ladder). Together they replace the legacy single-CGPA-grade approach.
The 5 MBGL Levels — from Basic to Global Excellence
Each Level represents a distinct stage of institutional maturity, with progressively higher expectations across the seven NAAC criteria. The level descriptions below are based on NAAC’s February 2025 announcement and corroborating regulatory guidance.
Level 1 — Basic
Meets minimum institutional and academic standards.
Institutions at Level 1 have cleared Binary Accreditation and meet the minimum compliance threshold across the seven NAAC criteria. Systems are operational but typically reactive rather than proactive. IQAC exists but discipline is variable. Documentation is functional but not yet a competitive asset.
- Minimum compliance across all 7 NAAC criteria
- IQAC functional with periodic AQAR submission
- Basic infrastructure, faculty cadre, student support
- Typical of newly accredited institutions or institutions in early quality assurance journey
Level 2 — Developing
Demonstrating progress and system strengthening.
Institutions at Level 2 show measurable improvement in systems, documentation, and outcomes over Level 1 baseline. IQAC discipline is consistent; AQAR submission is timely; year-over-year improvements are evident in faculty quality, research output, or student outcomes. Documentation is becoming a competitive asset.
- Demonstrable improvement over Level 1 across 3+ NAAC criteria
- IQAC running with quarterly meetings and year-round data capture
- Research output growing; faculty research and publication discipline strengthening
- Student outcomes (placement, higher studies, alumni engagement) measured and reported
Level 3 — Established
Stable practices with consistent performance. Likely Deemed University threshold.
Level 3 marks the transition from “institution still building” to “institution functionally complete”. NAAC has signalled that Level 3 will be the new threshold for Deemed-to-be-University status under the post-2025 reforms (though exact regulatory rules are still being formalised). Institutions at Level 3 have stable systems, consistent year-over-year performance, mature research output, and demonstrable distinctiveness.
- Stable practices — year-over-year performance variance under 10%
- Mature research output with SCI/Scopus publications and IPR record
- Demonstrable institutional distinctiveness (best practices, recognised programmes)
- Governance and IQAC at executive maturity
- Likely minimum for Deemed University application under new rules
Level 4 — Institutions of National Excellence
Advanced — innovation leadership with national presence and impact.
Institutions at Level 4 are recognised for innovation leadership and national impact. Research output is recognised at the national level; partnerships with industry, government, and other institutions are substantive; alumni achieve disproportionate national presence. Level 4 represents the upper tier of Indian higher education institutions, broadly equivalent to (or stronger than) institutions that previously held A++ grades.
- National recognition in at least 2-3 disciplines (NIRF top 50 typical)
- Industry partnerships generating funded research, live projects, placement preference
- Faculty research output at nationally competitive level (high-impact publications, patents)
- Alumni achieving national leadership positions across sectors
- Active in policy discourse, regulatory consultations, sector leadership
Level 5 — Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education
International standards with global research, teaching, and societal impact.
Level 5 is reserved for Indian higher education institutions operating at internationally competitive standards. Research output is globally recognised; teaching attracts international students and faculty; alumni achieve global leadership; the institution contributes to global discourse in its disciplines. Few Indian institutions will qualify for Level 5 in the early years of MBGL operation — this is the aspirational ceiling, not a routine outcome.
- Global research recognition (high citation impact, international collaboration record)
- International student and faculty presence at meaningful scale
- Alumni in global leadership positions across academia, industry, policy
- Disciplinary leadership at international forums and standards bodies
- Societal impact contributions traceable to institutional work
The 5-level structure isn’t arbitrary. It maps deliberately onto the institutional lifecycle — newly-accredited institutions enter at Level 1 or 2, established institutions cluster around Levels 2-3, recognised institutions reach Level 4, and global-scale institutions aspire to Level 5. The 3-year cycle creates continuous pressure to improve, but also creates risk — institutions can move down if they fail to sustain their level. MBGL rewards trajectory, not just position.
Binary Accreditation vs MBGL: the two-tier model
NAAC’s post-2025 framework is explicitly two-tier. Binary Accreditation is the mandatory entry; MBGL is the optional progression. Both were announced together on 10 February 2025 and operate as complementary tiers, not alternatives.
Binary Accreditation Framework
Mandatory entry-level accreditation. Single outcome: “Accredited” or “Not Accredited”.
- Outcome: Accredited / Not Accredited (no letter grade)
- Assessment: AI-supported document verification via DCF 2025
- Validity: 3 years
- Physical visit: None (cross-verification through One Nation One Data Platform)
- Purpose: Establishes minimum quality threshold for participation in higher education sector
- Every institution seeking NAAC standing must clear Binary first
- For deep-dive, see NAAC Accreditation 2026: Binary, MBGL Guide
Maturity-Based Graded Levels (MBGL)
Optional progression on a 5-level maturity ladder. For institutions seeking to demonstrate further maturity.
- Outcome: Level 1 (Basic) through Level 5 (Global Excellence)
- Assessment: Levels 1-2 digital; Levels 3-5 expert validation
- Validity: 3 years per Level
- Physical visit: Reduced (expert panels and structured interactions instead)
- Purpose: Demonstrates institutional trajectory and competitive maturity
- Optional — but increasingly required for Deemed University status, government scheme eligibility, recruiter recognition
- High-performing RAF institutions may potentially skip Binary and apply directly
MBGL vs the legacy CGPA grading: what changed
The legacy CGPA-based grading system (A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C, D) served NAAC from 2007 through to the February 2025 reforms. Understanding what changed clarifies why MBGL was designed the way it was.
| Dimension | Legacy CGPA Grading (pre-2025) | MBGL (post-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome type | Single letter grade (A++ to C) tied to CGPA band | 5-level maturity placement (Basic to Global Excellence) |
| Validity period | 5 years | 3 years |
| What it signals | Snapshot grade at one assessment cycle | Trajectory — current level plus implicit movement signal |
| Assessment method | SSR submission + DVV + Peer Team Visit (physical) | Digital (L1-L2) or Digital + Expert panel (L3-L5) |
| Movement signal | Two A-grade institutions look identical regardless of trajectory | Movement up or down across cycles is part of the public signal |
| Deemed University threshold | CGPA 3.26+ (A grade) sustained across cycles | MBGL Level 3 (likely; rules being formalised) |
| Physical inspection | Mandatory peer team visit each cycle | Reduced — expert panels and structured interactions replace large peer visits |
| Cross-verification | Limited; DVV done manually against documents | Automated via One Nation One Data Platform (AISHE, NIRF, AICTE, UDISE+) |
| Operational status | RAF applications closed 30 June 2024 | Operational from 2025; progressive level activation |
MBGL assessment methodology by Level
The assessment approach scales with Level. Lower Levels are fully digital; higher Levels add expert validation. This deliberate design reduces physical inspection burden while increasing analytical rigour.
- Levels 1-2 — Fully Digital Assessment. Institutions submit data through NAAC’s Data Capture Formats (DCF 2025). AI-driven validation via the One Nation One Data Platform cross-verifies submitted data against AISHE, NIRF, AICTE, and UDISE+ databases. Inconsistencies are flagged automatically. No physical inspection. Outcome typically available within 60-90 days of submission. Best suited for institutions establishing basic systems or demonstrating early-stage growth.
- Levels 3-5 — Digital + Expert Validation. Digital assessment is the foundation, but expert panels supplement the verification. Panels conduct structured interviews with institutional leadership, focused presentations on specific quality claims, and targeted on-site interactions (more focused than legacy peer team visits). The intent is depth over breadth — assessing specific claims rigorously rather than reviewing everything superficially.
- Cross-platform data validation. Across all Levels, AISHE consistency, NIRF data alignment, AICTE filings consistency, and UDISE+ records are auto-checked. Institutions with discrepancies between what they submit to NAAC vs other government databases face automated flagging — the validation is no longer reliant on manual DVV processes.
- The 3-year cycle and continuous surveillance. Formal MBGL reassessment is every 3 years. But between assessments, institutions continue submitting AQAR by 31 December each year, feeding the data backbone. The 3-year reassessment confirms what the continuous data has already signalled — institutions cannot “cram” for an MBGL assessment in the months before submission because the data has been visible the whole time.
- The reduced corruption surface. One of the central design intents of MBGL is to reduce the integrity risks that emerged under the legacy peer team visit model. By replacing large peer team visits with focused expert panels (Levels 3-5) or fully automated assessment (Levels 1-2), the surface area for manipulation shrinks substantially. Penalties for false data submission have also been strengthened.
The operational implication for institutions: Under the legacy peer team visit model, institutions invested heavily in “visit preparation” — final-week polishing, document re-organisation, infrastructure clean-up. Under MBGL, that investment shifts upstream — into year-round data discipline, AQAR rigour, and continuous evidence capture. The reward for institutions that already operate disciplined IQACs is significant: the same effort that produces strong AQARs now also produces MBGL evidence with minimal additional work. Institutions that treated quality assurance as a final-week scramble face the largest adjustment.
The Deemed University connection: Level 3 as the new threshold
One of the most consequential signals from NAAC and UGC during the 2025 reforms has been the indication that MBGL Level 3 will be the new minimum threshold for Deemed-to-be-University status. Exact regulatory wording is still being formalised, but the policy direction is consistent across NAAC executive committee statements and UGC consultation documents.
Under the legacy framework: Deemed University status required sustained CGPA of 3.26 or higher (A grade) across two consecutive accreditation cycles, plus additional UGC criteria around financial autonomy, governance maturity, programme diversity, and research output.
Under the proposed post-2025 framework: The CGPA criterion will be replaced by MBGL Level 3 (Established) as the equivalent threshold. Institutions seeking Deemed University status will need to demonstrate Level 3 maturity — stable practices, consistent year-over-year performance, mature research output, and institutional distinctiveness — sustained across an MBGL cycle.
Transition pathway: what existing CGPA-graded institutions should do
Roughly 90% of accredited Indian higher education institutions currently hold CGPA-era grades that will expire across 2026-27. The transition pathway is governed by NAAC’s executive committee decisions and the February 2025 announcement.
- RAF applications closed 30 June 2024. No new CGPA grades are being issued. Institutions that did not apply by this date cannot obtain new CGPA grades — their next NAAC outcome will be under Binary + MBGL.
- Existing CGPA grades remain valid until expiry. Institutions holding A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, or C grades continue to operate under those grades until their respective expiry dates. Most expire progressively across 2026-28, though some recent re-accreditations have been granted 7-year validity extending later. There is no retroactive conversion.
- On expiry, transition to Binary + MBGL. Institutions whose grades expire from 2026 onwards will reapply under the new framework. Binary Accreditation is the entry point; MBGL is the optional progression.
- High-performing RAF institutions may potentially skip Binary. Institutions with strong RAF performance (typically A++ or A+ grades, high CGPA, demonstrated digital readiness) may be eligible to bypass the Binary tier and apply directly for MBGL assessment. Their RAF data will be recalibrated under the new evaluation matrix. The exact eligibility criteria for this pathway have not been fully formalised as of mid-2026.
- The data architecture must be ready. Whether transitioning via Binary or direct-to-MBGL, the institution’s data must be migrated to digital format aligned with DCF 2025. Year-round AQAR discipline through 2024-25 and 2025-26 is the operational preparation for the eventual MBGL assessment. Institutions that maintained strong AQAR discipline through the transition will land at a higher MBGL Level than those who let AQAR drift.
Frequently asked questions about MBGL
What is the full form of MBGL?
MBGL stands for Maturity-Based Graded Levels. It is the National Assessment and Accreditation Council’s (NAAC) post-2025 accreditation framework that classifies Indian higher education institutions into five progressive maturity levels — from Level 1 (Basic) to Level 5 (Institutions of Global Excellence). MBGL was announced by NAAC on 10 February 2025, alongside the Binary Accreditation Framework, replacing the legacy CGPA-based grading system (A++, A+, A, B, B+, B++, C). MBGL is designed to track institutional growth over time, unlike the static CGPA grade which provided only a snapshot.
What are the 5 MBGL levels?
MBGL classifies institutions into five maturity levels. Level 1 — Basic: meets minimum institutional and academic standards. Level 2 — Developing: demonstrates progress and system strengthening. Level 3 — Established: stable practices with consistent performance; hinted by NAAC as the new threshold for Deemed University eligibility under reform. Level 4 — Institutions of National Excellence (Advanced): innovation leadership with national presence and impact. Level 5 — Institutions of Global Excellence for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education: international standards with global research, teaching, and societal impact. Each level is valid for 3 years, after which institutions reapply and demonstrate they have maintained or improved their maturity. Institutions can move up Levels in subsequent assessments by demonstrating measurable growth.
What is the difference between Binary Accreditation and MBGL?
The two frameworks work as a two-tier system introduced by NAAC on 10 February 2025. Binary Accreditation Framework is the mandatory entry-level system — an “Accredited” or “Not Accredited” outcome based on AI-supported document verification with no letter grade. Every institution seeking NAAC standing must clear Binary first. Maturity-Based Graded Levels (MBGL) is the optional progression layer for institutions that have cleared Binary and want to demonstrate further institutional maturity. Binary answers “Are you accredited?”; MBGL answers “How mature are you?”. Levels 1-2 of MBGL involve fully digital assessment; Levels 3-5 add expert validation through interviews, presentations, and structured peer interactions. High-performing institutions with strong RAF (Revised Accreditation Framework) data may potentially skip the Binary stage entirely and apply directly for MBGL assessment.
How does MBGL replace the old CGPA grading?
The legacy CGPA-based grading system (A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C, with CGPA bands from 3.76-4.00 down to 1.51-2.00) gave institutions a static snapshot grade based on a single self-study cycle. Two institutions with the same A grade could be on completely different growth trajectories — one improving, one declining — but the grade looked identical. MBGL was designed to address this. Instead of a static grade, MBGL places institutions on a five-step maturity ladder that explicitly tracks growth. An institution at Level 2 today can aspire to Level 3 in the next cycle by demonstrating specific improvements. The CGPA system gave a static photograph; MBGL gives a video of the trajectory. NAAC is phasing out CGPA grades — existing CGPA-graded institutions retain their grades until expiry, then transition to the Binary + MBGL framework.
Is MBGL Level 3 the new threshold for Deemed University status?
NAAC and UGC have signalled that MBGL Level 3 (Established) is being positioned as the new minimum threshold for Deemed-to-be-University status under the post-2025 reforms. The exact regulatory rules have not been fully formalised. Under the legacy framework, Deemed University status required a CGPA of 3.26 or higher (equivalent to NAAC A grade) sustained across cycles. Under the proposed MBGL framework, institutions seeking Deemed University status will likely need to demonstrate Level 3 or higher maturity — stable practices with consistent performance across the seven NAAC criteria, sustained research output, governance maturity, and institutional autonomy readiness. Institutions targeting Deemed University status should plan their MBGL trajectory deliberately, building toward Level 3 evidence systematically rather than reactively.
What is the assessment methodology for each MBGL level?
MBGL assessment scales in rigour as institutions progress up the ladder. Levels 1-2 (Basic and Developing): fully digital assessment through NAAC’s Data Capture Formats (DCF 2025) and AI validation via the One Nation One Data Platform. Cross-verification against AISHE, NIRF, AICTE, UDISE+ databases. No physical inspection. Suitable for institutions establishing or strengthening basic systems. Levels 3-5 (Established, Advanced, Global Excellence): expert validation supplementing the digital assessment — structured presentations to expert panels, interviews with leadership and faculty, focused peer interactions, deeper evidence verification. Reduced physical inspection compared to legacy peer team visits but more analytical rigour. The shift from peer team visits to expert validation is one of the central design intents of MBGL — reduce travel and corruption risk while increasing assessment depth.
How long is MBGL accreditation valid?
Each MBGL Level award is valid for 3 years. After the 3-year validity expires, institutions must reapply for assessment. There are three possible outcomes at reapplication: maintain current level (institution continues at the same Level), move up (demonstrate growth and qualify for a higher Level), or move down (institution failed to sustain the standards required for its current Level). The 3-year cycle is shorter than the legacy CGPA grade validity (which was 5 years) and is designed to create continuous improvement pressure rather than a once-every-5-years scramble. The 3-year cycle also aligns with NAAC’s broader shift toward year-round digital surveillance through AQAR submissions and DCF 2025 data feeds — institutions are essentially being assessed continuously, with the formal 3-year reassessment confirming the trajectory.
What happens to institutions currently holding A++, A+, or A grades under CGPA?
Institutions holding legacy CGPA grades retain those grades until expiry. RAF applications closed on 30 June 2024 — no new CGPA grades are being issued. As CGPA grades progressively expire (most across 2026-28, with some recent grants extending up to 7 years), institutions must transition to the Binary + MBGL framework. High-performing institutions with strong RAF performance and demonstrated digital readiness may potentially bypass the Binary tier and enter MBGL directly. The eligibility criteria for this direct-to-MBGL pathway have not been fully defined as of mid-2026. Institutions in this transition window should focus on three actions: ensure existing CGPA-era data is migrated to digital format aligned with DCF 2025; strengthen IQAC documentation and year-round AQAR discipline; and assess where the institution is likely to land on the MBGL ladder based on current evidence (typically Level 2 or Level 3 for established A-grade institutions).
How does Edhitch help institutions navigate MBGL?
Edhitch supports Indian higher education institutions across the Binary + MBGL framework transition: MBGL readiness diagnostic — assesses where your institution is likely to land on the 5-level ladder based on current evidence and where the leverage points are to climb levels; Binary Accreditation preparation under DCF 2025 digital data architecture; MBGL trajectory planning for institutions targeting Level 3 (Deemed University threshold) or higher; transition planning from legacy CGPA grade to MBGL framework; integrated NAAC + NBA + NIRF data architecture serving all three frameworks through the 68% overlap; AQAR discipline that feeds MBGL evidence year-round; and software platforms that automate evidence capture across the 7 NAAC criteria. 12 years of accreditation advisory across 100+ institutions, 9,000+ faculty trained, 50+ programmes delivered.
Book MBGL Readiness Diagnostic
Fill in your details. We’ll review your institution’s current evidence base and tell you where you’re likely to land on the MBGL ladder.
Enquiry Received!
Our team will respond within 24 hours.
For immediate help: WhatsApp +91-92051 19385