Published Paper Details:

Abstract Quality assurance has emerged as a central priority for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across India, particularly in the context of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) framework. In the North-East Indian (NEI) region, and more specifically in the state of Assam, institutions of higher learning encounter diverse academic, administrative, infrastructural and socio-cultural challenges while preparing for and undergoing NAAC accreditation. This study critically examines the barriers experienced by HEIs in Assam in their efforts to comply with the prescribed NAAC criteria on curriculum development, teaching-learning processes, research and extension, institutional governance, learner support services and overall quality enhancement. It identifies constraints such as limited funding, inadequate digital infrastructure, shortage of faculty with research competency, insufficient documentation culture, and low stakeholder awareness of quality benchmarks. The analysis further reveals that geographical remoteness, disparities in resource allocation and administrative delays create additional layers of difficulty for institutions in the NEI region. The findings highlight the need for capacity-building programmes, robust internal quality assurance mechanisms, strengthened leadership and collaborative regional support to improve NAAC preparedness among HEIs. The outcomes of the study contribute to policy formulation and institutional planning aimed at upgrading higher education standards in Assam and the wider Northeast region.