Indian education sector is booming and as an International student or International Government body looking to send students in India, you must read this article.

How are you going to determine which is good University or College? Answer is simple find out is it NAAC Accredited !

NAAC Accreditation

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) was established in 1994 as UGC autonomous body. NAAC accreditation for colleges is an integral part of the functioning of higher education institutions in India. NAAC accreditation is mandatory for all the higher learning institutes in India and only NAAC-accredited universities in India are eligible for UGC grants.

NAAC accreditation determines the quality of the institute in terms of education, infrastructure, research, teaching & learning etc. Institutes with top NAAC grades such as ‘A++’, ‘A+’ and ‘A’ are most sought-after institutes, as they offer high-quality education. On the other, all the recognized institutes of UGC must apply for NBA/ NAAC/ any other accreditation after the completion of the first or second batch of courses.

Important to Understand & Inquire

Some colleges will take accreditation for one of its college and market as they are NAAC accredited. For Example if a college is NAAC accredited for Engineering and you want to study Pharmacy with them then you are not going to NAAC accredited college for Pharmacy. Please research this point well before admission. You can visit NAAC website for varification http://www.naac.gov.in/19-quick-links/32-accreditation-status

Benefits of NAAC Accreditation for Students

In simple terms, NAAC accreditation or grade of a higher learning institute will help the student to figure out all the details about the institute such as quality of education, research output, teaching-learning, infrastructure etc. NAAC grade helps students to choose the best institute based on its NAAC grade/ performance in the NAAC accreditation process. NAAC grade also determines the value of degree offered by the higher learning institutes.

In all, NAAC is one of the major accreditation agencies in India, which is mandatory for all the higher learning institutes.

How do Colleges and Universities get NAAC Accreditation?

NAAC grades and assesses higher learning institutes through a three-step process. All the universities and colleges affiliated to UGC are eligible for NAAC accreditation. However, it is the responsibility of the institutes to apply for NAAC accreditation. All the details pertaining to the NAAC accreditation process, performance indicators/ parameters, the grading system and re-assessment are elaborated below.

NAAC Grading Criteria & System

Before going ahead with the NAAC Grading system, it is important to have a look at the parameters/ indicators of NAAC assessment and accreditation process.

NAAC Parameters/ Indicators

NAAC assess the higher learning institutes based on the following parameters or indicators –

• Teaching-Learning & Evaluation
• Infrastructure & Learning Resources
• Research, Innovations & Extension
• Curricular Aspects
• Governance, Leadership & Management
• Student Support & Progression
• Institutional Values & Best Practices

Total Number of NAAC Accreditation’s (as on 26/09/2018)

As you want to study in India – you must know about these three organizations; which are critical for your valid degree.

Graded Autonomy

University Grants Commission (Categorization of Universities (only) for Grant of Graded Autonomy) Regulations, 2018:

Categorization of Universities

The regulation suggests three categories of universities where category I university will be recognised if it has been accredited by NAAC with a score of 3.51 or above; or it has received a corresponding accreditation grade/score from a reputed accreditation agency empanelled by the UGC; or it has been ranked among top 500 of reputed world rankings, such as Times Higher Education or QS.

A university will be called category II university, if it has been accredited by NAAC with a score of 3.26 and above, upto 3.50; or it has received a corresponding accreditation grade/score from a reputed accreditation agency empanelled by the UGC.

A University shall be in Category III if it does not come either under Category-I or Category-II.

To know more: https://www.ugc.ac.in/

National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India to assess and accredit institutions of higher education in the country. It is an outcome of the recommendations of the National Policy in Education (1986) which laid special emphasis on upholding the quality of higher education in India. To address the issues of quality, the National Policy on Education (1986) and the Plan of Action (POA-1992) advocated the establishment of an independent national accreditation body. Consequently, the NAAC was established in 1994 with its headquarters at Bangalore.

To Know more : www.naac.gov.in/

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was approved by the MHRD and launched by Honourable Minister of Human Resource Development on 29th September 2015.

This framework outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country. The methodology draws from the overall recommendations broad understanding arrived at by a Core Committee set up by MHRD, to identify the broad parameters for ranking various universities and institutions. The parameters broadly cover “Teaching, Learning and Resources”, “Research and Professional Practices”, “Graduation Outcomes”, “Outreach and Inclusivity” and “Perception”.

For India Rankings-2017, the main ranking parameters remain the same. However, there are a few significant changes in a few sub-parameters. Also, this year every large institution will be given a common overall rank as well as a discipline specific rank as applicable. Details are in the Ranking Document available at: https://www.nirfindia.org/Home

Types of Indian Education

India’s higher education system is the third largest in the world. The University Grants Commission is its main governing body and also oversees accreditation for higher learning.

The Indian higher education system has expanded at a fast pace by adding more than 20,000 colleges and more than 8 million students in a decade and as of today, India has more than 800 universities, with a break up of Central, State, Deemed and Private universities along with many institutions established and functioning under the State Act, and Institutes of National Importance – which include AIIMS, IIT’s and NIT’s among others.

Other institutions include Government Degree Colleges and Private Degree Colleges, including exclusive women’s colleges, functioning under these universities and institutions. Colleges may be Autonomous, i.e. empowered to examine their own degrees, up to the PhD level in some cases, or Non-Autonomous, in which case their examinations are under the supervision of the university to which they are affiliated; in either case, however, degrees are awarded in the name of the university rather than the college.

The emphasis in the tertiary level of education lies on science and technology. Indian educational institutions by 2004 consisted of a large number of technology institutes. Distance learning and open education is also a feature of the Indian higher education system, and is looked after by the Distance Education Council. Indira Gandhi National Open University is the largest university in the world by number of students, having approximately 3.5 million students across the globe.

Some institutions of India, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institute of Technology (NITs), Indian Institute of Science, Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), University of Mumbai and Jawaharlal Nehru University have been globally acclaimed for their standard of education.

Details of Indian Education Systems consisting of Technical, BE, PhD, UG, Short-term Courses etc.

Undergraduate/ Bachelor’s Level Education:

The undergraduate course i.e. the Bachelor’s degree is obtained after three years of study in the case of arts (B.A), science (B.Sc) and commerce (B.Com). UG courses in professional subjects, for the Bachelor’s degree, like Engineering (B.E, B.Tech), Medicine (M.B.B.S), Dentistry (M.D) and Pharmacy (B.Pharma) range from 4 to 5 and a half years.

Post-Graduate/Master’s Level Education:

Post-graduate courses in Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering and Medicine are 2 year courses for the award of a Master’s degrees. Master’s program can be pursued only after completion of a bachelor’s degree.

Doctoral Studies/ Ph.D Level Education:

M.Phil. Program is of one and-half year to two years in duration. PhD program is for a minimum of 3 years and can take several years. These courses involve research work under a chosen/allotted guide, leading to thesis submission and viva-voce. Successful completion of PhD course designates the title of ‘Doctor’ to the individual.

Certificate and Diploma Programs:

In addition to the degree programs, a number of diploma and certificate programs are also available in universities. Their range is wide and they cover anything from poetics to computers. Some of them are undergraduate diploma programs and others postgraduate programs. The duration varies from course to course and program to program an usually ranges between one year and three years.

Registration Requirements for Foreign National

Registration is required for:

Every Foreigner visiting India on Student Visa(S) (including those coming for study of Yoga, Vedic Culture, Indian system of dance and Music), Research Visa(R), Medical Visa(M) or Medical Attendant (MED-X) Visa and Employment Visa(E) valid for more than 180 days is required to get himself / herself registered with concerned FRRO , within 14 days of his/her first arrival, irrespective of the duration of his / her stay. Even in other Visa types, if the Indian Visa has a stipulation/ observation/ Special endorsement for registration made by Indian Mission / Embassy on the Indian Visa and on Employment, Medical, Medical Attendant Visas for less than 180 days, the Foreigners are required to be registered

Foreigners visiting India on other categories of long term Visa (valid for more than 180 days) including Business/Entry(X) / Journalist Visa would not require registration with the concerned FRRO if duration of his/her stay does not exceed 180 days on a single visit. In case a foreigner intends to stay for more than 180 days on a single visit he / she should get himself registered well before the expiry of 180 days. Foreigners possessing tourist Visa are required registration only if they re-enter within 60 days of the last departure and they are asked to register through special endorsement etc

Children below 16 years of age are exempt from Registration if they have entered on PIO card or on any type of Visa and except where specified other wise. It is mandatory for all foreigners to personally appear at the concerned FRRO office for obtaining any Visa related services.

Late Registration:

No fee is charged for registration, but a foreigner who has delayed registration and if delay is condoned, a penalty in Indian currency equivalent to US$ 30/- for late registration may be charged.

Overstay:

In the event of overstay foreigner is liable for prosecution under Foreigners Act 1946 and imprisonment up to 5 years with fine & expulsion from India.

Report of Absence from Registered Address:

If at any time a foreigner proposes to be absent from his / her registered address for a continuous period of eight weeks or more or change his / her registered address then the foreigner is required to inform in person or through an authorized representative or by registered post to his / her Registration Officer of his / her intention to change his registered address or to leave either temporarily or permanently the jurisdiction of the Registration Officer. In case of return, the foreigner should inform the Registration Officer of the date of return and in case the foreigner is moving away inform the change of address. Any changes made subsequently should also be intimated to the Registration Officer. Every foreigner, who stays for a period of more than eight weeks at any place in any district other than the district in which his / her registered address is situated, shall inform the Registration Officer of that district of his / her presence. This can be made in writing and the requirements deemed to have been fulfilled if, prior to arrival the foreigner furnishes to the Registration Officer of the said district intimating the dates of his proposed arrival and departure from the district.

Change in Registered Address:

A foreigner shall be deemed to have changed his registered address, if he/she changes his residence from one place to another place in India and if having no residence, he leaves his registered address knowing that he is not likely to return within six months of leaving it.

Reports of Other Changes except Address:

Every foreigner is required to furnish to the Registration Officer of the district in which his registered address is situated, particulars of any circumstances affecting in any manner the accuracy of the particulars recorded in his certificate of registration within fourteen days after the circumstance has occurred, and generally shall provide to the Registration Officer all information as may be necessary for maintaining the accuracy of the certificate.

Surrender of Certificates of Registration on Departure:

Every foreigner who is about to depart finally from India shall surrender his certificate of registration either to the Registration Officer of the place where he is registered or of the place from where he intends to depart or to the Immigration Officer at the Port/Check post of exit at the time of final departure from India. If the certificate is surrendered other than to the Immigration Officer of the port or check post of exit, a receipt indicating such surrender of the document may be obtained and shown to the Immigration Officer at the time of final departure.

Duplicate Certificate of Registration:

If any certificate of registration, issued under existing Acts / Rules is lost or destroyed, the foreigner to whom it was issued, shall make or send to the Registration Officer of the district of his registered address a report of circumstances in which it was so lost or destroyed along with an application in writing and a copy of police report in order to issue a duplicate copy of the certificate of registration.

For more information visit: https://boi.gov.in/content/registration-requirements-foreign-national

Visa Regulations

Student visas are granted to people who wish to come to India and study at an officially recognized educational institution. This includes the study of Yoga, Vedic culture, and Indian system of dance and music.

The main document required is student admission/registration papers from the institution.

Eligibility:

Indian Missions/Posts grant a student visa for a period of five years or for the duration of the course of study, whichever is less, to the below:

• To foreigner students coming to India to pursue regular and full time academic studies in India.
• For foreigner students coming for Industrial training, summer project and internship.
• Provisional student visa valid for six months for the students exploring admission or taking admission tests.
• Applicant should possess the proof of admission to a full time regular academic course in a reputed/recognized educational institution in India and evidence of financial support.
• The applicant should also possess a “No Objection Certificate” from the Ministry of Health in case of admission in medical or Para-medical course.
• Spouse and dependent family members accompanying the applicant must apply for an Entry Visa (Not Tourist Visa. Its termination date will coincide with the period of the principal Visa holder.

Validity:

Student visas are issued for up to five years, depending on the duration of the course. They can also be extended in India.

Entry Points:

Passengers having valid Student visa can enter India from any desired port of immigration check post (Airport, Seaport).

Fee for Student Visa:

Visa fees for student visa is different for all the countries. It ranges from $13 to $250.

Form:

The visitors are required to fill online visa Application by visiting website http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ and visit their nearest embassy with printout of the online filled application and required travel documents.

Required Documents:

• Passport with 6 month validity
• Passport size photographs
• Photo copy of passport
• Proof of residential address
• Copy of online filled form
• University admission letter
• University details

For more details visit: https://boi.gov.in/content/student-visa-s

Travel Guide

Depending on where and how you want to travel, India’s wide infrastructure and transport connects each corner of the country to another. Be it by Air, Road, or Rail.

India’s rail network is the 4^th longest and the most heavily used system in the world, according to World Bank Report, transporting 8.225 billion passengers and over 970 million tonnes of freight annually, as of 2015. Rail Tickets can be booked on Indian Railway’s official booking website : https://www.irctc.co.in/

Road travel can be booked via various state road transport portals online or aggregators like www.RedBus.in

Air tickets can be booked on www.air.irctc.co.in/ or many travel aggregators like Yatra, MakeMyTrip, GoIbibo etc.

Here is the list of state-wise international airports in India:

• Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, Assam
• Gaya Airport, Gaya, Bihar
• Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, Delhi
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Mangalore Airport, Mangalore, Karnataka
• Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
• Cochin International Airport, Kochi, Kerala
• Calicut International Airport, Kozhikode, Kerala
• Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
• Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
• Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur, Maharashtra
• Pune Airport, Pune, Maharashtra
• Zaruki International Airport, Shillong, Meghalaya
• Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
• Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, Punjab
• Jaipur International Airport, Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Tiruchirapalli International Airport, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
• Chennai International Airport, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Civil Aerodrome, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, Telangana
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, Telangana
• Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, West Bengal

From high terrain mountains to beaches, from holy places of worship to avenues for spiritual learning, India’s rich glorious past and promising future has lots to offer, be it historical monuments or modern commercial hubs.

For proper travel guidance and planning, follow the link: https://incredibleindia.org/ – The Incredible India Project by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and plan your journey across the vast expanse of the nation.

Do’s:

• A proper Visa to enter and stay in India is a must. Make sure your all your documents are complete and secured.
• Be apprised of the campus rules and regulations of your institute.
• It is advisable to obtain adequate travel and health insurance.
• Take personal responsibility for your travel choices, your safety, finances and behavior overseas, including obeying the laws of the country.
• Organize your finances to cover your planned travel.
• Protect your passport and report it promptly if it is lost, stolen or damaged.
• Make sure your passport is valid (with at least six months validity from your planned date of return and will not expire while you are in India.
• Make copies of your passport (including visa pages), insurance policy, traveler’s cheques, visas and academic documents. Carry one copy in a separate place away from the originals and also leave a copy with someone at home.

Don’ts:

• Don’t break the law or indulge in unlawful activities
• Don’t enter places of worship without moderate dressing and shoes on.
• Don’t walk over or touch books or newspapers with your feet. For Indian people they are a metaphor of God’s learning, considered sacred.
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol in public.

Among the top 30 countries for internationally inbound students according to a UNESCO report, India is one of the most economical viable countries for foreign students. The cost of living here is very less as compared to other countries.

In India, many reputed universities offer accommodation to their students within campus. However, some universities do not have this facility. In this case a student has the option to rent a room in a private hostel, rent a room on his own (with or without food facility), or get a serviced apartment on rent. There are various benefits that a student gets in each type of accommodation that he/she chooses. A student can experience a comfortable stay for a month within $160. And you can reduce that by sharing the accommodation with other students.

Average other Living Expenses (in USD):

• Self cooking – $10 to $25 per week
• Eating out – $24 to $70 per week
• Utility bills – $4 to $10 per week
• Public transport – $4 to $10 per week
• Sports and leisure – $7 to $15 per week

As you can see the cost of studying in India is extremely affordable as compared to various developing countries and extremely low when compared to other developed nations such as the US and UK. Moreover, the quality of education has undergone significant transformation and development over the last decade.

Student Visa (S)