When comparing online degree programs, you’ll see “NAAC A++” plastered everywhere. But what does it actually mean? And does it make a real difference to your career? The short answer: yes, it matters — and here’s exactly why.
What Is NAAC?
NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) is an autonomous body under UGC that evaluates universities on parameters like teaching quality, infrastructure, research output, governance, and student outcomes. The grading scale ranges from C to A++, with A++ being the highest.
| NAAC Grade | CGPA Range | What It Signals |
|---|---|---|
| A++ | 3.51 – 4.00 | Top-tier — highest institutional quality |
| A+ | 3.26 – 3.50 | Excellent — highly reputable |
| A | 3.01 – 3.25 | Very good quality |
| B++ | 2.76 – 3.00 | Good — above average |
| B+ and below | Below 2.76 | Average or below |
NAAC A++ Universities Offering Online Degrees
Only 5 universities with NAAC A++ accreditation offer online degree programs in India. Here they are, with their MBA fees for reference:
| University | NAAC CGPA | NIRF Rank | MBA Fee | Online Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manipal (MAHE) | A++ (3.58) | #17 | ₹2,92,000 | MBA, MCA, BBA, BCA, B.Com |
| Symbiosis | A++ (Cat-1) | #11 MBA | ₹3,15,000 | MBA, BBA, BCA, MCA, M.Sc |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth | A++ (3.60) | Top 100 | ₹1,60,000 | MBA, BBA, BCA, MCA |
| DY Patil | A++ | Top 100 | ₹1,70,000 | MBA, EMBA, BBA, BCA, MCA |
| Amrita | A++ | #7 | ₹1,70,000 | MBA, MCA, BBA, BCA, B.Com, M.Com |
Notice the fee range: from ₹1,60,000 (Bharati Vidyapeeth — cheapest A++ MBA) to ₹3,15,000 (Symbiosis). You don’t need to pay premium prices for A++ quality.
Why NAAC Grade Matters for Your Career
1. Employer Perception
HR departments at large companies often filter candidates by university accreditation. An MBA from a NAAC A++ university passes this filter automatically. An MBA from an unaccredited or low-graded university might not.
2. Government Job Applications
While UGC-DEB entitlement is the legal requirement, NAAC accreditation makes the verification process for government jobs smoother. Recruitment committees are more likely to accept your degree without additional scrutiny.
3. Higher Education
If you plan to pursue a PhD or another master’s degree later, universities look at where you got your previous degree. NAAC A++ on your transcript is a strong signal.
4. International Recognition
For WES evaluation (US/Canada), credential assessors look at the granting institution’s accreditation status. NAAC A++ universities like Manipal MAHE and Amrita have smoother WES evaluations.
NAAC A++ vs A+ — Is the Difference Worth Paying More?
The honest answer: not always. The functional difference between A++ and A+ is marginal for most career purposes. Both signal high institutional quality.
NAAC A+ universities on our platform include Chandigarh University (₹1.8L, 23 specializations, PwC + Harvard certified), Amity University (₹1.99L, ACCA-UK, WES, #1 UGC online), and Sikkim Manipal (₹1.1L, cheapest valid MBA).
Chandigarh’s industry certifications (PwC, Harvard, PMI) arguably add more career value than the incremental difference between A+ and A++ accreditation.
The Bottom Line
Choose a NAAC A+ or A++ university — that’s the threshold that matters. Within that tier, focus on factors that are more career-relevant: specializations available, industry partnerships, fee affordability, and placement support.
See our complete ranking of the 10 best online MBA colleges for a data-driven comparison, or get free counseling for personalized advice.
Last updated: April 2026.