NCERT Likely to Get Deemed-to-be-University Status

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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is expected to be granted deemed-to-be-university status by January 2026. Preparatory formalities have been completed. The proposal is awaiting consideration in an upcoming University Grants Commission (UGC) meeting.

What NCERT Does at Present

NCERT is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, primarily focused on school education. Its key functions include:

Developing the National Curriculum Framework (NCF)
Preparing and publishing textbooks for CBSE and several State Boards
Conducting educational research
Supporting teacher training and academic capacity building

Despite its nationwide influence, NCERT is not a degree-awarding institution and does not function as a higher education provider.

What Deemed-to-be-University Status Means

Under the UGC Act, 1956, deemed university status is granted to institutions with demonstrated academic excellence in a specialised domain. Such institutions gain autonomy to:

Design and offer UG, PG, and PhD programmes
Frame curricula and admission norms
Award degrees in their own name

India currently has around 145 deemed-to-be-universities, spanning diverse academic fields.

How NCERT’s Role Could Expand

With deemed university status, NCERT could evolve into a national hub for education research, teacher education, and curriculum studies. It would be empowered to:

Run postgraduate and doctoral programmes in education
Strengthen research-led policymaking
Collaborate with global universities and institutions

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan first articulated this vision in 2023, linking it to NEP 2020 goals. Funding is expected to continue through the Department of School Education and Literacy. This ensures NCERT’s expanded role remains anchored to school education outcomes. It prevents NCERT from drifting away from its core mandate.

Conclusion

If approved, NCERT’s transformation into a deemed university would bridge a long-standing gap between school education practice and academic research. The move could institutionalise advanced research and degree programmes in education. This institutionalisation could significantly strengthen India’s capacity for evidence-based reforms. It could foster curriculum innovation and teacher professional development. These are key pillars of long-term educational transformation.

Summary

Granting deemed university status to NCERT would mark a significant institutional shift. It would enable NCERT to award degrees and expand into higher education. Furthermore, it would promote advanced research. The move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on evidence-based policymaking. It also focuses on reforming teacher education and strengthening India’s education research ecosystem.

Exam-Oriented Facts

NCERT functions under the Ministry of Education.
Deemed university status is granted under the UGC Act, 1956.
Deemed universities enjoy academic and administrative autonomy.
India has ~145 deemed-to-be-universities.
NEP 2020 stresses education research, teacher training, and curriculum reform.
NCERT currently cannot award degrees.