Solan, Jan 4 (UNI) Solan-based Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences has once again proved as a quality institution of higher learning by securing B ++ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Shoolini University has achieved the distinction of being awarded grade B++ in its Cycle I, narrowly missing Grade ‘A’ by a mere .09 point. This is the highest rating given to a private university in Himachal. Himachal Pradesh has 17 private universities, out of which only Shoolini University (B ++, CGPA 2.92), Jaypee University (B, CGPA 2.63) and Chitkara University (B, CGPA 2.71) have NAAC accreditation at present. In the government sector, Himachal Pradesh University recently got ‘A’ Grade (CGPA 3.21) in its second cycle. The university had got ‘B’ in its Cycle I. Varsity’s official spokesman said that a six-member peer team of the NAAC had visited the campus between November 29-30 and December 1, 2016. During their visit, the team had interacted with the members of various faculties inquiring about their research work, research papers, publications and their plans for future development. The team also met the members of the committees, support services, faculty, staff and other stakeholders of the college. Established in 1994 at Bangalore, NAAC 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. The body identifies seven criteria to serve as the basis of its assessment procedures: Curricular Aspects, Teaching-Learning and Evaluation, Research, Consultancy and Extension, Infrastructure and Learning Resources, Student Support and Progression, Governance, Leadership and Management, and Innovations and Best Practices. All universities/colleges whether public or private, accreditation by the NAAC is mandatory for institutions of higher learning barring technical education institutions. As per the UGC guidelines, each institution that has completed six years of existence or two batches having passed out,whichever is earlier, shall apply within six months from the date of cominginto force of the regulations to get accredited by the agency. Based on the Self Study Reports submitted by the institution, a peer team of NAAC visits the institution for assessment. Based on the marks scored by an institution, grades are awarded to each institution ranging from D, C, B, B+, B++, A, A+, and A++. The grade is valid for five years after which Cycle 2 of the inspection is undertaken. At the end of each inspection, the peer team gives certain suggestions to the institutions in order to improve their score. If these suggestions are implemented along with maintaining the standards, there are chances of improvement upon the score during the time of re-inspection after five years. UNI XC JS SW SHK 1622