Kasaragod: With the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) ‘A’ in grading, it is a world of opportunities for distance learning opening in front of Central University of Kerala. This will be a boon to a large section of students who are now dependent upon Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for distance education. As the new Open University is coming up in Kerala, when other universities will have to stop distance learning courses, students can now join various distance learning courses offered by CUK.  

Yet another ample opportunity is that the university can now start various online courses through which CUK can now attract students from even other countries too. Presently, in Kerala, only Mahatma Gandhi University has permission to conduct online courses. Though the university expected a higher grade in the ranking, it was the pandemic that negatively affected the surge of CUK. Due to COVID-19 as the students were away, the university couldn't conduct a number of programmes that were earlier planned. The limited facility in the hostel was yet another reason for this, however, works are in full swing to complete the building of 3 hostels and a canteen within the campus.

With the advancement of NAAC ranking, the university is now eligible for more grants from the University Grants Commission (UGC). Apart from using this for improving the basic infrastructure of the university, this grant will also help to buy advanced lab equipment, improve the library etc. reflecting the massive development of the university.  

Tremendous efforts were made under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor Prof. H. Venkateshwarlu aiming to advance in NAAC grading. Appreciating the teachers and staff, the Vice-Chancellor said that the improvement in grading was the result of collective efforts. This is an indication that the Central University of Kerala has risen to the level of the best higher education institutions in the country. Securing an A grade in the second NAAC assessment is a major achievement, however, there is still more to go. The university is making efforts for the same, he added.