NCERT Gets Deemed University Status, Set to Offer Degree Courses and Expand into Higher Education

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), known for its key role in school education, has now entered the higher education space after being granted deemed-to-be university status. This marks a significant expansion of its mandate, enabling it to offer degree programmes and strengthen its role in academic research.

The move aligns with the broader vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises multidisciplinary learning and institutional autonomy.

What Deemed University Status Means

With this new status, NCERT can function as an autonomous higher education institution. It will have the authority to design its own curriculum, launch undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes, and award degrees.

The development also brings NCERT under the regulatory framework of the University Grants Commission (UGC), ensuring that its academic programmes meet national standards.

Expansion Beyond School Education

Until now, NCERT’s primary focus has been on school curriculum development, textbook publication, and teacher training. With deemed university status, the institution is set to expand into advanced research and higher education.

Officials believe this transition will enhance NCERT’s ability to contribute to educational innovation, improve teacher education, and foster research in pedagogy and curriculum design. It is also expected to open new avenues for collaboration with national and international academic institutions.

Approval and Recognition

The status has been granted under a “distinct category,” recognising NCERT’s specialised role in education. The approval followed a detailed review process involving expert committees and compliance checks before final clearance.

This recognition highlights NCERT’s growing importance not just in school education but also in shaping higher education and research frameworks in India.

What It Means for Students and Educators

The development is expected to create new opportunities for students, especially those interested in education, teaching, and research. It will also strengthen professional training for educators and promote innovation in teaching methodologies. However, experts have stressed the need for NCERT to maintain its core focus on school education while expanding into higher education.

NCERT’s entry into the higher education space marks a major milestone in India’s education sector. By gaining deemed university status, the institution is poised to play a larger role in academic research and teacher education. While the move opens new possibilities, its long-term success will depend on balancing its expanded responsibilities with its foundational role in school education.