Impact of NAAC Accreditation on Student Perception of Quality in Higher Education Institutions: A Comparative Study of Accredited and Non-Accredited Universities in India

Quality assurance has become a central concern in higher education due to increasing competition, institutional expansion, and growing stakeholder expectations. In the Indian context, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) play a significant role in evaluating institutional quality; however, limited attention has been given to how accreditation is perceived by students themselves. This study explores the relationship between NAAC accreditation and students’ perception of quality by comparing accredited and non-accredited universities in India. Using a descriptive and comparative research design, data are obtained from 200 undergraduate and postgraduate students through a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. The analysis employs descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests to examine variations in student perceptions across key quality dimensions, including teaching–learning processes, infrastructure and learning resources, evaluation and assessment practices, and student support services. The results reveal clear and statistically significant differences between the two groups, with students from NAAC-accredited universities expressing higher levels of satisfaction across all dimensions of quality. These findings suggest that accreditation is closely associated with improved institutional practices that are meaningfully experienced by students. The study underscores the relevance of NAAC accreditation as an effective quality assurance mechanism and provides insights for policymakers and institutional leaders seeking to strengthen student-centred quality enhancement in Indian higher education.