Role of IQAC for quality evaluation, promotion and sustenance in Higher Education Sector in India.

The Internal Quality Assurance Cell plays a crucial role in higher education institutions to ensure and enhance the quality of education and its establishment is often mandated by accreditation bodies and is considered an integral part of the quality assurance mechanism. Here are some key roles of IQAC in quality evaluation, promotion, and sustenance:

1. Quality Assurance: IQAC is responsible for developing and maintaining quality benchmarks and parameters for various academic and administrative activities within the institution. It monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of academic and administrative processes to ensure compliance with established quality standards.
2. Accreditation Preparation: IQAC assists the institution in preparing for accreditation processes by ensuring that all necessary documentation, data, and evidence of quality practices are in place. It helps in coordinating internal audits and assessments to identify areas that need improvement before external accreditation visits.
3. Institutional Planning and Development:IQAC contributes to the development of the institution by providing insights and recommendations for academic and administrative improvements based on continuous evaluation and feedback. It assists in the formulation and implementation of the institution's strategic plan, aligning it with quality enhancement goals.
4. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: IQAC conducts regular internal audits and assessments to monitor the quality of academic programs, teaching-learning processes, research activities, and support services. It collects and analyzes data related to various aspects of the institution's functioning to identify trends and areas for improvement.
5. Feedback Mechanism: IQAC establishes mechanisms for collecting feedback from students, faculty, and other stakeholders to gauge their satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement. It ensures that feedback is used constructively to enhance the quality of education and other services offered by the institution.
6. Promotion of Research and Innovation: IQAC encourages and supports research and innovation initiatives within the institution. It helps in creating an environment conducive to research, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring the dissemination of research outcomes.
7. Professional Development: IQAC facilitates the professional development of faculty and staff by organizing workshops, training programs, and other activities to enhance their teaching and administrative skills. It promotes a culture of continuous learning and improvement among the academic community.
8. Documentation and Reporting: IQAC is responsible for maintaining comprehensive documentation related to the quality assurance processes, including self-assessment reports, action plans, and outcomes of improvement initiatives. It prepares and submits periodic reports to accrediting bodies, showcasing the institution's commitment to quality enhancement.

At the last, the IQAC serves as a driving force for quality enhancement in higher education institutions, ensuring that the pursuit of excellence becomes a continuous and integral part of the institutional culture.