IQAC stands for Internal Quality Assurance Cell. It is a unit established by universities and colleges in India to monitor and improve the quality of education provided by the institution. The IQAC is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the various quality assurance activities of the institution, and for ensuring that the institution is in compliance with the regulations and accreditation standards set by the government and accrediting bodies.
The main role of the IQAC is to develop and implement a quality assurance framework for the institution, which includes setting and monitoring quality indicators, conducting self-assessments, and implementing strategies for improvement. The IQAC also plays a key role in the accreditation process, by preparing the institution’s self-study report and coordinating the visit of the accreditation team.
The IQAC is typically composed of a team of faculty members, staff, and external experts, and is headed by a nominated official from the institution. The IQAC works closely with other internal and external stakeholders, including the institution’s governing body, academic council, and external accrediting bodies.
The establishment of IQAC is mandatory for all the institutions which are affiliated to University Grants Commission (UGC) in India. It is also a requirement for institutions seeking accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The IQAC is expected to be a self-sustaining and self-generating body which will become a part of an institution’s system, School Management System, and work towards realisation of the goals of quality enhancement and sustenance.
