Hi you can refer to the table below summarizing the differences between NAAC and NIRF: Feature NAAC NIRF Full Form National Assessment and Accreditation Council National Institutional Ranking Framework Purpose Assesses and accredits Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) Ranks universities and colleges across various categories Focus Institutional quality, teaching, learning environment, research infrastructure Overall performance compared to peers Outcome Accreditation status (A+, A, etc.) Ranking position (1st, 2nd, etc.) Benefit to Students Indicates a baseline quality standard of the institution Helps compare colleges based on specific needs and priorities Voluntary vs Mandatory Not mandatory Voluntary participation Frequency Accreditation renewed periodically (typically every 5-10 years) Rankings released annually Example Output A university might be accredited by NAAC with a grade of A+ A college might be ranked 3rd in the NIRF Engineering category