Kasaragod: The Central University of Kerala improved its NAAC grade to 'A' from 'B++' in the recently concluded assessment. The Kasaragod-headquartered university scored 3.14 out of 4 points in the assessment by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

In 2016, it scored 2.74 points. "Securing an A grade in the second NAAC assessment is a major achievement but we have a long way to go," said vice-chancellor Prof H Venkateshwarlu.

A six-member committee, headed by Mizoram University Prof K R S Sambasiva Rao, conducted the assessment from September 21 to 23.

The 13-year-old university bettered its performance on five of the seven criteria of NAAC compared to the 2015 assessment.

On governance, leadership, and management, the central university scored 3.14 points, up from 2.3 in 2015. On institutional values and best practices, it scored 3.14 points, up from 2.40. On curricular aspects, the university scored 3.33 points, up from 2.73 points.

CUK scored 3.65 points out of 4 on infrastructure and learning resources. In 2015, it scored 3 points.

The aspects assessed were curriculum enrichment, feedback system, academic flexibility, and design and development.

The university marginally bettered its performance on research, innovation, and extension by scoring 2.64 points, up from 2.40. The aspects assessed were the promotion of research and facilities, resource mobilisation for research, and innovation ecosystem. The university's score marginally fell to 3.26 from 3.3 points on teaching, learning, and evaluation.

The NAAC team rated the university down on student support and progression, giving it 2.59 points, down from 3.2 points in 2015. "We have to improve our performance on student placement and developing the sports arena," said the vice-chancellor. The university will add another 1,000 hostel beds in the next three months.

During the assessment period, the university produced 126 PhD scholars. "The assessment team felt we could have done better," he said.

Overall, the improved grading will pave the way for the university to start distance education and online courses, he said. The university can also sign MoUs and collaborate with foreign universities.

Apart from this, there will also be an increase in financial assistance from the University Grants Commission, said a statement from the university.