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Higher education has grown rapidly in India, and with that, online education has also stepped into the mainstream. One of the most sought-after online learning options is an MBA program that caters to working professionals, students, and entrepreneurs who seek flexibility without compromising on academic quality.
However, when it comes to choosing the right institution for an online MBA degree, a term that is often heard enough is the NAAC rating. The NAAC accreditation is often advertised as a mark of credibility, but the question is, does it tell the full story about the quality of an online MBA program? In this blog, we will dig deeper into the truth about NAAC ratings and what do they actually mean for one’s educational journey.
What is NAAC and Why Is It Important?
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council is an autonomous body that is formed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India. The primary function of this body is to assess and accredit higher education in India on the basis of a wide range of parameters. They are:
- Infrastructure facilities
- Teaching learning methods
- Research output
- Student support systems
- Governance and leadership
- Institutional values and practices
NAAC assigns a grade to institutions ranging from A++ to C and overall a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). If a grade is higher, that generally indicates a good performance across the factors mentioned above. For the students who are considering an MBA course online in India, NAAC accreditation serves as a benchmark of trust. It tells you that the University has undergone rigorous scrutiny and also meets very specific quality standards.
Why are NAAC Ratings Highlighted While Promoting an Online MBA in India?
In case you have noticed, institutions offering online MBA degree courses highlight that they have NAAC accreditation. For instance, Chitkara University is NAAC A+ accredited which means that if you choose an online MBA course from this institution then you are studying from a credible institution. A high NAAC rating (A++ or A) is often used as a standpoint for attracting students. Here are some reasons why:
- Legitimacy and Recognition: The students who want to enrol for online MBA classes often worry about the same value as a regular MBA. A good NAAC grade can guarantee institutional credibility.
- Career and Employer Trust: Most employers often consider degrees from renowned institutions seriously. A credible NAAC rating reassures them about a strong academic foundation.
- Student Confidence: Choosing a suitable online MBA degree can feel risky. A high rating offers confidence that the university adheres to recognised standards.
What to Look for in Online MBA Programs Along with NAAC?
NAAC ratings can be a trusted benchmark for evaluating the academic quality of universities because they ensure that institutions are capable of meeting higher standards in teaching, governance, and infrastructure. However, when it comes to online degree program MBA, students must also explore some additional aspects that can go beyond NAAC ratings for getting a complete picture of program quality.
Here is what you should look for along with NAAC:
- Program Specific Excellence: While the job of NAAC is to accredit institutions as a whole, the overall quality of individual programs, particularly online MBA degree courses, can differ. It is helpful to look at program outcomes, alumni success, and overall industry relevance along with institutional rankings.
- Online Learning Focus: The NAAC assessments focus on multiple parameters of a traditional classroom. For all online MBAs, equally important factors include online learning platforms, technology-enabled teaching methods, and opportunities for online collaboration and networking.
- Drivers of Online MBA Quality: The high-quality online MBA programs offer a combination of a strong academic foundation and digital innovation. The program is based on an advanced learning management system engaging digital content, accessible faculty and mentorship, industry integration, and robust virtual student support.
- Diversity Across Programs: The universities may have a NAAC accreditation but it is possible that they still offer different departments and programs. If you are considering an online MBA degree, it is best if you offer varied experiences. Exploring the unique strengths of an online MBA can help in making sure that it matches your career goals.
NAAC Rating + Other Qualities of an Online MBA
If NAAC ratings are not the only thing to look for, which factors should be considered while choosing an online MBA program?
Given below are some factors to consider:
- UGC and AICTE Approval: Other than the NAAC accreditation, the institution should also have a UGC (University Grants Commission) and AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) approval. Chitkara University has UGC and AICTE approval along with NAAC A+ accreditation.
- Faculty and Industry Exposure: Make sure that you look at the qualifications of faculty members and if the program offers sessions with industry leaders. The program with strong industry networks can lead to improved career outcomes.
- Technology and Learning Platform: The online learning system of an online degree program MBA is fundamental in an online MBA. It is important to check whether it provides discussion forums, live lectures, recorded sessions, and useful study material. A substandard platform even a reputed industry’s platform ineffective.
- Curriculum: Make sure that the MBA curriculum is updated with the best business trends including marketing, human resources, finance, and other core subjects.
- Student Support and Networking: Make sure that the institution you choose supports online learners with academic counselling, technology support, and peer networking opportunities.
- Alumni Network: The MBA course online in India that you join should lead to career growth and one of the best ways to make that happen is by collaborating with alumni network of an institution. The alumni network of Chitkara University known as Chitkara University Alumni Network (CAAN) has 5, 00, 000+ alumni across 55+ countries offering a wealth of networking and career opportunities, professional development resources, business opportunities, etc.
NAAC Accreditation – The Factor Ensuring Institutional Credibility
The NAAC accreditation is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing the best option out of online MBA degree courses. A higher grade in NAAC accreditation ensures strong overall institutional systems. However, if you are an aspirant looking forward to join an online MBA degree then it should be evaluated as one of the few factors and not the only one.
NAAC rating guarantees institutional trust, whereas program features and industry relevance guarantee overall quality of online MBA classes. It is best to look for an institution that offers everything such as Chitkara University. The recommended approach is to use NAAC rating as a fundamental factor ensuring institutional credibility, and then also look for more program features, particularly around online mode of delivery and career outcomes.
Also, read this blog post: Is an Online MBA Degree Recognised in India?
Summing It Up:
NAAC is an important factor that promises that the institution is credible but as a student looking for the best online MBA degree program, you should also look for other factors. A good rating will promise that your university meets national quality benchmarks, but if you want to choose the best MBA then you should also look for how the program has been designed, delivered to students, and what career outcomes it can lead to.
As a student, you must consider NAAC rating as a credibility check and also evaluate UGC and AICTE approval, faculty expertise, curriculum, student support, career support, and technology platforms. It is only then an online MBA can add true value to your professional journey.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is it compulsory for an institution offering an MBA course online in India to get a NAAC accreditation?
Yes, any institution offering an MBA course online in India should get a NAAC accreditation. The accreditation strengthens credibility.
2. Does getting a better grade in NAAC accreditation also guarantee an improved online MBA experience?
No, a higher NAAC grade does not guarantee an improved online MBA experience. Other factors such as program curriculum, flexibility, faculty members, career support services, alumni network are also some of the deciding factors.
3. In addition to NAAC rating, which other certifications should an institution get?
Other than NAAC rating, an institution should also get UGC and AICTE approvals. Students who are looking for the best online MBA degree courses should look for institutions that are UGC and AICTE approved and also have NAAC A+ rating such as Chitkara University.
4. Are employers concerned with NAAC ratings when it comes to hiring MBA graduates?
The employers do not check NAAC ratings directly but they often care about the institution’s reputation, industry tie-ups, and the real-life skills that an institution can offer.
5. Does a NAAC accreditation and UGC and AICTE approval guarantee the same credibility as a regular MBA?
Yes, the NAAC accreditation and UGC and AICTE approval guarantees equal credibility as offered by a regular MBA.
6. What should be my most important priority when it comes to choosing the best online MBA degree?
Your top priority should be NAAC rating, UGC and ACITE approval, industry tie-ups, relevant curriculum, student support services, and cost-effective fee.
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