The University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), the first private university in the Northeast, has been awarded the accreditation rating of “A Grade” by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

The university, which is only 8-years-old, has been accredited by NAAC, an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission to assess and accredit institutions of higher education in the country and assesses universities on a 7-point criteria, said a statement.

Thanking the Meghalaya government for supporting the varsity in its endeavour, USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque said the five years’ assessments are based on five successful batches of students.

The NAAC peer team appreciated the best practices of USTM, including its Payback Policy and adoption of villages, it added.

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma congratulated the university for obtaining the NAAC accreditation.

The USTM officials said with only one computer and four students, the private university started its journey and now the institution has a student strength of around 6,000 from all eight northeastern states.