🏛️ NAAC A++ Universities India 2026
Complete List of India's Elite Universities — NAAC's Highest Accreditation
18
NAAC A++ Universities
3.51+
CGPA Score (out of 4)
100%
UGC Recognized
What is NAAC A++ Accreditation?
NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) is an autonomous body under UGC that assesses and accredits Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India. The A++ grade is the highest possible accreditation, awarded only to institutions scoring 3.51 or above out of 4.00 CGPA. As of 2026, only 18 universities in India hold this prestigious distinction — making it extremely rare and highly valued.
NAAC accreditation is valid for 5 years, after which institutions must undergo re-accreditation. The assessment covers 7 key criteria including Curricular Aspects, Teaching-Learning, Research, Infrastructure, Student Support, Governance, and Innovative Practices.
📋 Complete List of NAAC A++ Universities 2026
| University | State | CGPA Score | Type | NIRF Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | Delhi | 3.91 | Central | #2 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Uttar Pradesh | 3.68 | Central | #5 |
| Jadavpur University | West Bengal | 3.63 | State | #8 |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Tamil Nadu | 3.72 | Deemed | #6 |
| Saveetha Institute of Medical Sciences | Tamil Nadu | 3.56 | Deemed | #14 |
| Chandigarh University | Punjab | 3.57 | Private | #22 |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Punjab | 3.58 | Private | #25 |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Karnataka | 3.52 | Deemed | #7 |
| Amity University Noida | Uttar Pradesh | 3.51 | Private | #32 |
| University of Hyderabad | Telangana | 3.67 | Central | #4 |
| Tezpur University | Assam | 3.66 | Central | #38 |
| Pondicherry University | Puducherry | 3.57 | Central | #42 |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Tamil Nadu | 3.54 | Deemed | #20 |
| Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | Tamil Nadu | 3.66 | Deemed | #11 |
| Kalasalingam Academy of Research & Education | Tamil Nadu | 3.62 | Deemed | #55 |
| Mahatma Gandhi University | Kerala | 3.51 | State | #62 |
| Shoolini University of Biotechnology | Himachal Pradesh | 3.53 | Private | #48 |
| KIIT Deemed University | Odisha | 3.53 | Deemed | #15 |
📊 NAAC Grading Scale Explained
A++
Elite — CGPA 3.51–4.00
Only 18 universities achieve this. Top employers, best placements, premium research funding.
A+
Excellent — CGPA 3.26–3.50
~60 universities. Strong academics, good infrastructure, recognized by industry.
A
Very Good — CGPA 3.01–3.25
~150 universities. Good quality, industry connections, decent placements.
B++
Good — CGPA 2.76–3.00
~400 universities. Adequate facilities, improving quality.
🎯 Why NAAC A++ Matters for Students
🏆
Premium Placements
Top MNCs and Fortune 500 companies prefer recruiting from NAAC A++ institutions. Average packages 40% higher than A grade colleges.
🔬
Research Funding
NAAC A++ universities get priority access to DST, DBT, SERB, and UGC research grants worth ₹10–50 crore annually.
📜
Global Recognition
Degrees from A++ universities are recognized by foreign universities for higher education and by global employers for direct hiring.
💰
Scholarship Advantage
Students at NAAC A++ colleges get priority for PM Scholarship, Merit Scholarships, and international fellowships.
📈 State-wise Distribution of NAAC A++ Universities
| State/UT | A++ Universities | Key Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 5 | VIT, SRM, Amrita, Saveetha, Kalasalingam |
| Punjab | 2 | Chandigarh University, LPU |
| Delhi | 1 | JNU |
| Uttar Pradesh | 2 | BHU, Amity University |
| Karnataka | 1 | Manipal Academy |
| West Bengal | 1 | Jadavpur University |
| Telangana | 1 | University of Hyderabad |
| Others | 5 | Tezpur, Pondicherry, Shoolini, KIIT, MG University |
🔍 How NAAC Assessment Works — 7 Criteria
1
Curricular Aspects (150 marks)
Curriculum design, CBCS, integration of emerging technologies, interdisciplinary programs.
Curriculum design, CBCS, integration of emerging technologies, interdisciplinary programs.
2
Teaching-Learning & Evaluation (200 marks)
Student enrollment, ICT tools, innovative teaching methods, assessment transparency.
Student enrollment, ICT tools, innovative teaching methods, assessment transparency.
3
Research, Innovations & Extension (250 marks)
Publications, patents, research funding, PhD programs, industry collaboration.
Publications, patents, research funding, PhD programs, industry collaboration.
4
Infrastructure & Learning Resources (100 marks)
Labs, library, sports, hostel, IT infrastructure quality and availability.
Labs, library, sports, hostel, IT infrastructure quality and availability.
5
Student Support & Progression (100 marks)
Scholarships, placements, alumni network, career counseling, sports achievements.
Scholarships, placements, alumni network, career counseling, sports achievements.
6
Governance, Leadership & Management (100 marks)
Institutional vision, financial management, decentralization, HR policies.
Institutional vision, financial management, decentralization, HR policies.
7
Institutional Values & Best Practices (100 marks)
Environmental sustainability, inclusivity, gender equity, social responsibility.
Environmental sustainability, inclusivity, gender equity, social responsibility.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many universities in India have NAAC A++ grade?
As of 2026, only 18 universities in India hold the NAAC A++ accreditation — the highest possible grade with a CGPA of 3.51 or above out of 4.00.
Q: Is NAAC A++ better than IIT/IIM ranking?
NAAC accreditation and NIRF rankings measure different things. NAAC assesses quality processes while NIRF ranks based on research, placements, and peer perception. A++ means the university has excellent quality processes; NIRF rank reflects overall performance.
Q: Does NAAC A++ guarantee better placements?
NAAC A++ universities generally have better placement records, but it's not a guarantee. Placements depend on your program, specialization, skills, and the specific industry. However, A++ status signals institutional quality to employers.
Q: How long is NAAC accreditation valid?
NAAC accreditation is valid for 5 years. After that, institutions must undergo re-accreditation. Some A++ universities may drop to A+ if they don't maintain standards during re-assessment.
Q: Can I do online MBA from NAAC A++ university?
Yes! Several NAAC A++ universities offer UGC-approved online MBA programs — including Chandigarh University Online, LPU Online, Amity University Online, and Manipal Online. These are valid degrees recognized by employers.
🎯 Find Your NAAC A++ University
Compare admission requirements, fees, and placement records across all 18 NAAC A++ universities with CampusIQ's AI-powered college matching.
