NAAC visit: Cochin University of Science and Technology pools resources

KOCHI: After unsuccessfully chasing the dream of becoming an Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) is now trying to establish its credentials on its own strengths. The university will host the team of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) from August 29 to September 1 with an aim of making a good rating that will help smoothen the flow of funds from various agencies such as University Grants Commission, Union Human Resources Ministry and Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) for its research projects.

Cusat was last NAAC-accredited in 2006 when it got three stars out of five. Cusat sources claims that the varsity has deployed enough faculty through contact, adjunct, emeritus and other routes and each department is ready to make presentations before the team. The NAAC team will be led by Dr Subbanna Ayyappan, former director-general of CSIR and will have nine members including former vice-chancellors, serving PVCs and professors.

It is understood that the university will present variety in courses as its major strength apart from its stature in international contemporary research before the visiting team. The varsity recently secured a Rs 10 crore grant from the Department of Science and Technolgoy as it found a place among the top 20 universities in the country in terms of publishing rating. The National Institute Ranking Framework has placed it at 30th among 300-odd universities in the country.