In pursuance of its Action Plan for performance evaluation, assessment, accreditation, and quality up-gradation of institutions of higher education, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bangalore, proposed that every accredited institution should establish an Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) as a quality sustenance measure. Since quality enhancement is a continuous process, the IQAC has been made an integral part of the institution’s system, working towards the realization of the goals of quality enhancement and sustenance. The prime task of the IQAC is to develop a system for conscious, consistent, and catalytic improvement in the overall performance of institutions. During the post-accreditation period, institutions need to channelize efforts towards promoting holistic academic excellence, including the peer committee recommendations. The guidelines provided by the NAAC guide and facilitate the institution in the creation and operation of the IQAC. Its success depends on the sense of belongingness and participation of all constituents of the institution. It is a facilitative and participative voluntary system of the institution, capable of ushering in quality enhancement through planned intervention strategies, similar to the 'Quality Circles' in industries.
The objectives of the IQAC are aligned with the NAAC’s mandate for fostering institutional excellence and quality culture.
To develop a system for conscious, consistent, and catalytic action to improve the academic and administrative performance of the institution.
To promote measures for institutional functioning towards quality enhancement through internalization of quality culture and institutionalization of best practices.
To act as a nodal agency for coordinating quality-related activities, including adoption and dissemination of good practices.
Functions
The IQAC shall perform the following functions as per NAAC guidelines:
Development and application of quality benchmarks/parameters for various academic and administrative activities.
Facilitating the creation of a learner-centric environment conducive to quality education.
Arrangement for feedback responses from students, parents, and other stakeholders.
Dissemination of information on various quality parameters to all stakeholders.
Organization of workshops, seminars, and quality-related promotional activities.
Documentation of the various programs and activities leading to quality improvement.
Acting as a nodal agency for quality-related activities and adoption of best practices.
Preparation of the Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR) as per NAAC guidelines.
Benefits
The IQAC facilitates, monitors, and sustains quality improvement efforts, leading to the following benefits:
Ensures heightened level of clarity and focus in institutional functioning towards quality enhancement.
Internalizes the quality culture across all departments and units.
Enhances coordination among various internal units and ensures a better communication system.
Provides a sound basis for decision-making to improve institutional functioning.
Acts as a change agent for continuous improvement and innovation.
