NCERT is soon going to get deemed university status
NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) is expected to gain deemed university status by January 2026, pending final approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC). This approval will allow NCERT to offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degrees and start student exchange programs. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced this change in 2023. The goal is to turn NCERT into a research-focused institution. This change will let NCERT award its own degrees, create independent courses, and encourage global collaborations, going beyond just textbook development.
What is deemed university status means
In India, universities are recognised by the University Grants Commission under the UGC Act of 1956. A deemed-to-be-university is a specific category given to institutions that show academic strength in a particular area. This is based on the UGC's recommendation and requires approval from the Central Government.
According to the UGC website, there are about 145 institutes that have deemed university status. The Indian Institute of Science was the first to get this status in 1958. Tamil Nadu currently has the most of these institutions.
These institutes, often specializing in specific fields, are considered "deemed" as if they were universities, enabling them to award their own degrees and fostering academic flexibility.
Key Changes & Benefits:
- Academic Autonomy: NCERT can offer UG, PG, and PhD programs, setting its own admission criteria and fees.
- Research Hub: It will develop advanced research centers for education policy, teacher training, and pedagogy.
- Global Collaboration: Strengthen international partnerships in education.
- Role Shift: Evolve from a curriculum body to a leading academic institution with full university powers.
Status:
- Final Stages: Groundwork is complete, awaiting the UGC's formal decision in its upcoming meeting.
- Timeline: Expected approval by the end of January 2026.
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