The research study explores the impact of quality development initiatives on two major areas in Gujarat’s higher education namely curricular aspects and teaching-learning evaluation comparing perceptions between State and Private Universities. The research was carried out using quantitative approach and data were collected from senior teachers, quality administrators, and IQAC members across diverse academic streams and analyzed using independent sample T-tests. The hypotheses claimed that private universities perceive higher quality in curricular aspects and teaching-learning evaluation. Composite score analyses revealed no significant differences in overall curriculum quality or teaching-learning effectiveness, rejecting the H1 and H2. Moreover, the exploratory analysis of individual statements resulted into significant differences favouring private universities on industry-relevant curricula, student development, progress monitoring, and evaluation reforms, though only progress monitoring remained significant after Bonferroni correction. The findings of study suggest that Gujarat’s quality frameworks like NAAC and GSIRF, have standardized practices across streams yet private universities performs better in selected areas due to higher autonomy and technology adaptation. The study recommends enhancing evaluation systems and industry collaboration in state universities in Gujarat for quality assurance in education.