Periya: The Central University of Kerala is gearing up for the visit of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The NAAC team will conduct the inspection in the University on September 21, 22 and 23. This is the second NAAC visit in the history of CUK. It is also the first visit after the permanent campus was established in Periya.

NAAC grading, which ranks higher education institutions on the basis of excellence, is important for Universities. The first and last NAAC visit was in 2016 which awarded Grade B++ to the University. It is five years after the University went through a major change, the NAAC team visiting again. A major change during this period of time is the shift from a rented building to a permanent campus.

The University has also been able to advance in infrastructure. The number of courses and students have increased. Vacancies of teachers are filled. There was a surge in publications and project funding. The University has been able to perform many social service activities including the functioning of the Virology Lab during the Covid era. Around three lakh covid tests were conducted here. The implementation of the new National Education Policy has also started. With all these, the University hopes for better grades this year.

The University started preparations months ago with the aim of advancing in NAAC ranking. The work has been constituted by a committee under the supervision of Vice Chancellor Prof. H. Venkateshwarlu that also submitted a Self Appraisal Report. A committee consisting of academic experts from outside the University conducted an Academic and Administrative Audit, reviewed and evaluated the preparations and submitted recommendations. Mock visits were also organized in the departments. The Vice-Chancellor said that the preparations have been completed. He also said that he is confident that good progress can be made during this visit.