NAAC Criterion 3: Research, Innovations, and Extension (Aligned with NEP 2020)
Research, Innovations, and Extension are the third criterion defined by NAAC accreditation and plays a vital role in assessing the academic strength and societal impact of an institution. This criterion focuses on quality research output, innovative practices, consultancy services, and meaningful community engagement that contribute to institutional excellence.
In line with NEP 2020, institutions are encouraged to promote a strong research culture, interdisciplinary studies, and innovation-driven learning that enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. NEP 2020 also emphasizes research-based education, encouraging faculty and students to actively participate in projects that address real-world and societal challenges.
Criterion 3 also highlights the importance of extension activities and outreach programs, where institutions extend their expertise to society through community development initiatives, consultancy, collaborations, and extracurricular engagements. Such activities not only strengthen institutional credibility but also foster social responsibility, experiential learning, and holistic student development, which are key pillars of NEP 2020.
By aligning research, innovation, and extension initiatives with NEP 2020, institutions can demonstrate academic excellence, societal relevance, and a commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth, thereby strengthening their NAAC accreditation outcomes.
This criterion holds a weightage of:
- 150 (for both Affiliated and autonomous institutions)
- 250 (for universities).
Here are the 7 key indicators defined by NAAC Accreditation criteria under research, innovation, and extension criteria.
Promotion of Research and Facilities
The institution should not only run research projects on various topics and provide various facilities but also promote it among other institutions.
Resource Mobilization for Research
Each institution receives grants which help them to conduct their research projects. State the total amount of grants received (INR in Lakhs) from the government and also the non-government agencies for research projects during the last five year, Percentage of departments having research projects funded by government and non-government agencies during the last five years, number of departments having Research projects funded by government and nongovernment agencies, number of departments offering academic programs, number of seminars, conferences, workshops conducted by the institution during the last five years.
Innovation Ecosystem
The institution should keep innovating new teaching methods for the better understanding and knowledge development of the students.
Research Publications and Awards
State the number of papers published per teacher in the Journals notified on UGC website during the last five years, number of research papers in the Journals notified on UGC website during the last five years, number of books and chapters in edited volumes, books published and papers published in national or international conference proceedings per teacher during last five years, the total number of books and chapters in edited volumes, books published and papers in national or international conference proceedings year-wise during last five years.
Consultancy
Under this indicator mention all the extended consultancy services provided by the institution and the total number of services provided during the last five years.
Extension Activities
Institutions should carry out extension activities in the neighborhood community, sensitizing students to social issues, for their holistic development, and impact thereof during the last five years. Under this indicator state the activities carried, total number of awards and all the awards and recognitions received for extension activities from government or government recognised bodies year-wise during the last five years, number of extension and outreach programs conducted by the institution through NSS/NCC, Government and Government recognised bodies during the last five years,, average percentage of students participating in extension activities, total number of Students participating in extension activities conducted in collaboration with industry, community and Non- Government Organizations through NSS, NCC, Red Cross etc., year-wise during last five years
Collaboration
The Institution should collaborate for faculty exchange, student exchange, Internship, field trip, On-job training, research etc during the last five years. Mention all the collaboration and the number of linkages for different programs year-wise during the last five years and number of functional MoUs with national and international institutions, universities, industries, corporate houses etc. during the last five years.
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Conclusion
NAAC Criterion 3 highlights the importance of building a strong culture of research, innovation, and community engagement within higher education institutions. By encouraging interdisciplinary research, innovative practices, consultancy, and extension activities, institutions enhance both academic quality and societal impact.
Aligning these initiatives with NEP 2020 ensures that students gain experiential, research-oriented learning while addressing real-world challenges. A robust focus on research and extension not only strengthens NAAC accreditation outcomes but also reflects the institution’s commitment to social responsibility, innovation, and sustainable development.
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FAQs
1. What is NAAC Criterion 3 about?
NAAC Criterion 3 focuses on research activities, innovative practices, consultancy services, and extension initiatives that enhance academic quality and societal impact.
2. Why is Criterion 3 important for NAAC accreditation?
This criterion evaluates an institution’s research culture, innovation ecosystem, and community engagement, which significantly influence NAAC scores and institutional credibility.
3. How does NEP 2020 support research and innovation?
NEP 2020 promotes research-based learning, interdisciplinary studies, innovation hubs, and real-world problem solving, encouraging institutions to integrate these aspects into academics.
4. What types of extension activities are considered under Criterion 3?
Extension activities include community outreach programs, social responsibility initiatives, consultancy, collaborations, and extracurricular activities that address societal and environmental issues.
5. How can institutions improve their performance under Criterion 3?
Institutions can strengthen Criterion 3 by encouraging faculty and student research, supporting innovation projects, documenting consultancy work, and actively engaging with society.