An analytical study of quality assurance in higher education institutions of Punjab

Abstract

This exploration was aimed at analysing the quality assurance in higher education institutions of Punjab. Total 20 accredited colleges and 166 teachers working in NAAC accredited colleges from the state universities of Punjab viz.- Panjab University, Chandigarh; Punjabi University, Patiala and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar comprised the sample. The entire study was conducted broadly under two phases. In the initial phase the content analysis of the various documents viz.- NAAC reports, books, newsletters, NAAC related documents and surveys conducted in higher education were analysed in terms of SWOC viz. strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges. The higher education institutions have been traced out SWOC elements in newlineterms of all the seven parameters as propounded by NAAC for the purpose of assessment and accreditation of higher education institutions. In the final phase i.e. conduct of the field study, the investigator prepared a questionnaire cum interview schedule for college teachers to know about their views and perceptions. The results of the investigation had shown that out of 361 government and government aided degree colleges, of the above state three universities providing higher education in the stream of arts, commerce and science, only 80 colleges had been accredited by NAAC. Further, it was found that in the entire state of Punjab, there is a meagre number of colleges especially in the rural area who are offering themselves for the assessment and accreditation. The teachers of accredited colleges perceive divergent views on the seven criteria proposed by NAAC for quality assurance. The investigation has recommended practical implications and suggestion for further research.