One of the premier State-run universities, Utkal University in Odisha has dropped from A+ to A in the freshly released National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) grading.

The University could score 3.16 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in the assessment to secure A grade.

The varsity was last accredited as A+ in an assessment by NAAC in 2016.

The NAAC has been set up to facilitate volunteering institutions to assess their performance vis-a-vis set parameters and a process that provides space for participation of the institution.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), with a record of at least two batches of graduated students, or in existence for six years, whichever is earlier, are eligible to apply for the Assessment and Accreditation (A&A) of NAAC.

The NAAC uses several indicators as its criteria to assess the grade of higher educational institutions. They are; Curricular Aspects, Teaching-learning & Evaluation, Research, Innovations & Extension, Infrastructure & Learning Resources, Student Support & Progression, Governance, Leadership & Management, Institutional Values & Best Practices