New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved UGC Quality Mandate for improving the quality in higher educational institutes (HEIs). The mandate strives to achieve the objectives set by the year 2022.

Every institution shall get NAAC accreditation with a minimum score of 2.5 by 2022. To achieve the target, non-accredited institutions will be mentored, so that every institution can get accreditation by 2022.

HEIs should ensure that teacher vacancies at any point of time does not exceed 10% of the sanctioned strength; and 100% of the teachers are oriented about the latest and emerging trends in their respective domains of knowledge, and the pedagogies that translate their knowledge to the students.

The institutes should train the students in essential professional and soft skills such as team work, communication skills, leadership skills, time management skills etc; inculcate human values and professional ethics, and the spirit of innovation/entrepreneurship and critical thinking among the students and promote avenues for display of these talents.

Universities and their affiliated colleges should Improve the graduate outcomes for the students, so that at least 50% of them secure access to employment/self-employment or engage themselves in pursuit of higher education. These institutes promote link of the students with the society/industry such that at least 2/3rd of the students engage in socially productive activities during their period of study in the institutions.

HEIs should undertake examination reforms in test the concept, and application; and exit examinations. Meanwhile these institutes should introduce induction programme for students.