SRM Institute of Science and Technology, (formerly SRM University) has been recently accredited with the highest grade A++ (A double plus) by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) with a score (CGPA) of 3.55 on a four point scale.  It is considered as one of the biggest achievements as yet by SRMIST. Last year NAAC switched over to a more objective accreditation process.  In the new methodology, about 70% is assigned to quantitative metrics for which the institute is asked to upload evidence which is subsequently verified by using computer based tools. Under this new and stringent methodology other than SRMIST only two other universities have got A++, so far, out of 33 universities which have applied for accreditation.

Consequent upon achieving a score higher than the threshold value of 3.51, SRMIST has been placed under Category I University by UGC / MHRD as per the UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION [CATEGORIZATION OF UNIVERSITIES (ONLY) FOR GRANT OF GRADED AUTONOMY] REGULATIONS, 2018  which is yet another feather in its cap.

By becoming Category I University, SRMIST joins an elite group of 2 central universities, 12 state universities and 11 deemed to be universities in India. In Tamil Nadu only threeUniversities, including SRMIST, have been granted this rare distinction.

As a Category I University, SRMIST   shall be automatically deemed to be under section 12B of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956; once SRMIST is under 12B, it is eligible to receive funds from Central Government, UGC and other government departments for various schemes. In other words SRMIST will be treated on par with any other government university for various purposes including funding.

There are other salient features that SRMIST can leverage as a Category I institution like starting a new course/programme/department/school/centre in disciplines that form a part of its existing academic framework;opening constituent units/off-campus centers; offeringskill courses, consistent with the National Skills Qualification Framework; opening research parks, incubation centres, university society linkage centers, in self-financing mode; admitting foreign students on merit: recruiting foreign faculty and starting programs in Open and Distance Learning modes (ODL)  The university can also enter into collaboration with foreign institutions.