The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) may lose out on financial assistance from the University Grants Commission (UGC) as it has not renewed its accreditation issued by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

As per clause 7.1 of its 2012 regulations, UGC has notified that financial assistance will be given to institutions of higher education which have undergone assessment and accreditation process. Accordingly, in its meeting on November 29 it was decided that all universities and institutions must apply for NAAC accreditation by June 2014, failure of which would lead to discontinuation of financial assistance by UGC from April 2015.

Cusat lost its NAAC accreditation six years ago but is yet to renew it. According to university sources, the delay has been due to the confusion about Cusat getting Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) status. “Once, Cusat gets IIEST status we need not apply to NAAC. Also, another reason for the delay is Cusat’s grave financial situation,” said an official.

  cochin, university