This chapter gives the basic procedures to be followed for grading projects and the PIAs. The objective of grading is to lay a firm foundation to encourage good PIAs and to motivate other PIAs to improve. Projects will be graded on four parameters:

i) Physical infrastructure quality

ii) Batch training quality

iii) Placement quality and

vi) Project execution quality.

Detailed marking on each of the parameter is given in SF 9.1A: Overall marking pattern for a project.

Grading will facilitate comparison of a project and its sub components with other projects. It will also facilitate comparison of performance of PIAs - within a state and across different states.

Grading will be based on objective measures using data captured in various information systems and also by on-site inspections. The details are given for each parameter separately.

All projects will be graded continuously by capturing data from the data reporting mechanism as specified in SOP and/or ASDMS. Result will be reported every month giving the grade for the month and cumulative up to the end of the month.The grades arrived at the end of financial year (end of March) both for the year and cumulative - i.e. from project start to the end of the year; will be reported as yearly gradings. Similarly gradings will also be calculated on half yearly basis (April 1^st to 30^thSeptember and 1^st October to 31^st March) will be reported as half yearly gradings. The half year and annual gradings will be frozen and used to assess the relative performance across projects. The complete mechanism for calculation will be given in ASDMS.

9.1.1 Methodology of marking and grading

Sl.No	Parameter	Time of assessment	Validity*	Reference
1	Physical Infrastructure	At the time of due diligence as prescribed in Chapter 5. PIA can request fresh assessment after changing infrastructure (either increase or reduced)	2 years. However if there is deterioration or improvement after the due diligence then marks will be given as per changes.	Section 9.2
2	Batch Training Quality	Continuous Process	Based on continuous flow of data. Changes will be reflected on monthly basis but final grade will be given/ changed every six months.	Section 9.3
3	Placement Quality	Continuous Process		Section 9.4
4	Project Execution Quality	Continuous Process		Section 9.5
5	Overall Grading of a Project	Half yearly		Section 9.6
Note*: Time is indicative. However MoRD/NIRD&PR are at liberty to order fresh assessment anytime as per exigencies.

9.1.2 Grading Teams and other personnel involved

Teams and personnel involved in grading will be as follows:

• National guidance team: Based in MoRD to give overall guidance and direction
• National assessment Team: Based in NIRD&PR with overall responsibility for grading
• State Level coordinator: SRLMs should nominate a coordinator to consult on grading in their state
• Project Level coordinator: PIA to nominate a coordinator for each project for co-ordination and finalization of grading.
• Training centre infrastructure assessment Team:Team will consist of CTSA representative in case of a Non APP state/SRLM representative in case of an APS doing the due diligence of the centre and centre in charge of the training centre.
• Ad hoc Team:These team will be constituted by NIRD&PR to handle specialized tasks which will arise in process of grading. As the composition and scope of these teams will be task specific, other details will be specified when the actual teams are formed.

The detailed composition and duties of each team is given in SF 9.1B:Composition and duties of teams and personnel involved in assessment and grading.