The Ministry of Education has declared the National Council of Educational Research and Training as an “Institution Deemed to be University”, enabling it to:
- Offer academic programmes and courses
- Grant degrees
- Expand research and doctoral programmes
This status has been granted under a distinct category, along with six of its constituent institutions.
Constituent Institutions Included
The following NCERT units are covered under this status:
- Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Ajmer
- RIE, Bhopal
- RIE, Bhubaneswar
- RIE, Mysuru
- North East RIE, Shillong
- Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education, Bhopal
Background
- NCERT applied for deemed university status through the UGC portal, which was evaluated and recommended by an expert committee of the University Grants Commission.
- The approval reflects a policy push to strengthen teacher education and research ecosystem in India.
What ‘Deemed to be University’ Status Means
With this recognition, NCERT gains greater academic autonomy, including:
- Designing its own curriculum and courses
- Starting research and doctoral programmes
- Awarding degrees (subject to UGC norms)
However, autonomy is subject to strict regulatory compliance.
Key Conditions Imposed
Financial and Operational Restrictions
- No diversion of funds or assets without prior approval of UGC and Central Government
- Must function as a non-commercial, non-profit institution
Academic and Regulatory Compliance
- Courses must adhere to UGC and statutory body standards
- Mandatory accreditation from bodies like NAAC and NBA
- Existing rules for admissions and course approvals will continue
Digital and Governance Reforms
- Creation of Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) IDs for students
- Integration with ABC portal and digital lockers
- Adoption of Samarth e-Governance platform
Institutional Obligations
- Update Memorandum of Association as per UGC norms
- Participate in National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
Focus on Research and Expansion
The government has directed NCERT to:
- Launch doctoral and innovative academic programmes
- Expand into emerging and interdisciplinary areas
- Move beyond its traditional role into advanced research and higher education
This marks a shift from being only a curriculum body to a full-fledged academic and research institution.
About NCERT
- Established in 1961
- Autonomous body under the Government of India
- It is the apex body for school education in India.
- Functions:
- Curriculum development (NCF)
- Publication of textbooks
- Teacher training and educational research