NCERT gets ‘deemed university’ status; here’s what it means

This new move allows NCERT to grant degrees and expand research, while mandating adherence to UGC norms.

In a significant move, the Ministry of Education has declared the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi, as an ‘Institution deemed to be a University’ under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.

The notification, issued by the Ministry of Education on March 30, 2026, states that NCERT will be recognised under a distinct category, along with six of its constituent institutions across the country.

What does the notification say?

According to the official notification, the declaration has been made “on the advice of the UGC” after due consideration of compliance reports and expert committee recommendations.

The six constituent units included under this status are:

1. Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Ajmer

2. RIE, Bhopal

3. RIE, Bhubaneswar

4. RIE, Mysuru

5. North East RIE, Shillong

6. Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education, Bhopal

The document notes that NCERT had applied for deemed university status and was issued a Letter of Intent earlier, following which it submitted compliance reports that were reviewed and approved.

What ‘deemed to be university’ status means

With this declaration, NCERT gains greater academic autonomy, including the ability to design and offer its own courses, introduce research programmes, and grant degrees, subject to regulatory norms.

However, the notification makes it clear that this autonomy comes with strict conditions.

The Centre has outlined several conditions that NCERT must adhere to under its new status:

• No diversion of funds: “There shall be no diversion of assets or funds… without prior permission of the UGC and Central Government,” the notification said.

• Non-commercial functioning: The institution “shall not engage or indulge in any activities that are of commercial and profit-making in nature.”

• Standards and compliance: Academic programmes must conform to norms set by the UGC and statutory bodies.

• Accreditation requirements: NCERT must obtain accreditation from bodies such as the NBA and NAAC for eligible programmes.

• Digital academic tracking: NCERT is required to create Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) identities for students, upload their credit data in digital lockers, ensure integration with the ABC portal, and adopt the Samarth e-Governance platform.

• Regulatory adherence: Existing procedures related to admissions, intake, and course approvals will continue to apply.

The notification also mandates that NCERT update its Memorandum of Association in line with UGC regulations and participate in national rankings such as the NIRF.

Focus on research and expansion

The government has also directed NCERT to expand beyond its current scope.

“The Institute shall take appropriate steps to commence research programmes as well as doctoral and innovative academic programmes,” the notification states, adding that it “shall not keep confined only to presently new emerging areas but make endeavour to expand in other areas.”

NCERT has traditionally been known as India’s apex body for curriculum development, textbooks, and teacher training. Granting it deemed university status signals a shift towards strengthening its role in teacher education and academic research.