The concern for ensuring quality in higher education let to the need for evaluation of performance of Universities and Colleges. Due to this concern, the initiative to set up a mechanism which will encourage self-assessmemt in institutions of higher learning and also assessment and accreditation by an external agency came from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) as an autonomous body by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in September 1994.

NAAC assesses an institution basing itself on the following seven core criteria:

Apart from these core criteria, NAAC has also identified other good practices which enhance the quality of an institution. They are the following: educational innovations, working with mission and goals, master plan for institutional growth, feedback from stakeholders for improvement of the institutional functions, innovations in management and communications, and quality enhancement strategies.

St. Anthony's College initiated the process of Accreditation and Assessment about two and a half years ago culminating in the visit of the NAAC peer team in September 2000 for an on-the-spot study of the College. The college was declared accredited in September itself with a five star status - the highest rating given by NAAC at that time.

In its report, among other things, NAAC wrote -

The factors that have brought the college to the forefront in Higher Education in the region are:

The teaching learning process is marked by regularity. Laboratories are well equipped and there are field labs where needed. Classroom and laboratory teaching is supplemented by field trips. Learning is a rich experience for the students of the college.

There is a research culture among the teachers of the College and many are actively involved in research. They have established linkages with a number of academic institutions, Government and Non-Government organizations, which have supported their research. The expertise of the College has benefited other organizations, though the College has not charged for the consultancy.

The College is able to offer a rich variety of facilities to its students. Enrichment courses, co-curricular activities, extension work in various areas, sports and cultural programs make college life in St. Anthony's a pleasant and memorable experience for its graduates. This is especially true for the boys and girls who get the opportunity of staying in the hostel. The Student Development Services Department offering Career guidance and personal counselling is a particularly supportive aspect of the college.

Through the years, it has developed and ensured optimal use of an excellent infrastructure. Various organizations have come forward to contribute funds with confidence about their proper utilization. Maintenance of infrastructure gets much attention and is regarded as everyone's job. The campus strikes the casual visitor with its neatness and beauty..."

College Re-accredited with the top Grade of 'A' (3.6/4.0 CGPA)
(The highest in the East & North East.)
As St. Anthony's College enters into the 75th year of her mission, we at the college are blessed with a platinum gift. St. Anthony's, the first ever University College of the Don Bosco Society worldwide, is re-accredited with the highest Grade of 'A', by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council), an autonomous institution established by the UGC. The CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) granted by NAAC to St. Anthony's sums up to 3.60 out of 4. This comes to 90%, making St. Anthony's the highest graded college of the entire East and North East and at par with other top colleges of India. The college was first accredited in 2000 by NAAC with Five Star status, the highest grade then. The reaccredidation result was declared after the executive committee meeting of NAAC, on 30th January, 2009.

The reaccredidation process involved long and dedicated preparations from every one associated with the Anthonian family. In the run up to the process, detailed self study report on the college along with report on each department were sent to NAAC. After having studied the reports the peer team consisting of three eminent academicians visited the college from 29th to the 31st of October 2009. During these days, the team interacted with every stake holder of the College. They also met the alumni members and the parents of some of our students. On the final day, at the exit meeting, the team presented their report to the Anthonians in a packed auditorium.

The evaluation procedure is done under the following criteria:

The present rating of NAAC has four grades of: A, B, C and D. Awarding the highest grade of 'A', is based on the CGPA between 3.01 to 4. Having secured 3.60 points out of 4, St. Anthony's is graded among the top Colleges of the country as an 'Institution with High Level of Academic Accomplishment' by NAAC.

At St. Anthony's, we feel grateful to God and to every member of the Anthonian family, past and present, for this singular achievement. It is indeed a step in the direction of our motto: Excelsior: Ever More, Better Ever.

In recognition of the excellence in performance, St. Anthony's College has been chosen by the Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA), an organisation sponsored by the Ford Foundation, as one among a select few colleges in India for financial support for further improvement in academic excellence. The FAEA awards special scholarships to meritorious, deserving students. Click Here to know more about Foundation for Academic Excellence & Access(FAEA).

The College has been selected as CPE (College with Potential for Excellence). Currently the college is in the third phase of the recognition.

The Post Graduate course of Masters in Computer Applications (MCA) is technically approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and recognized by the central university of NEHU.