Rohan Umak
NCERT becomes deemed to be university: The Union Government on Thursday granted National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) the status of an ‘Institution deemed to be University under distinct category.’ Acting on the advice of the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Ministry of Education gave the nod to the decision, which will now allow NCERT to offer higher education programmes, ranging from diploma and undergraduate to postgraduate, doctoral and specialised courses.
Move aligns with NEP 2020: Officials
Officials aware of the development said that the unique classification recognises NCERT’s specialised national role in curriculum development while granting it academic autonomy. Unlike conventional universities, NCERT will resume its core function of designing curricula for schools, even as it expands into higher education. Officials added that the move aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, which emphasises stepping up teacher training and research capabilities across the country.
NCERT no more dependent on RIEs
Until now, NCERT-led teacher training programmes were conducted through its Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs), which were affiliated with universities like Barkatullah University, MDS University, University of Mysore, Utkal University and North-Eastern Hill University.
These affiliations often required prior approvals to roll out new courses. With the new status being granted to NCERT, the body can now design and implement programmes independently across its institutions, including the Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education.
NCERT becomes deemed to be university: 3-year-long process culminates in approval
It is noteworthy that the transformation follows a detailed process spanning over three years. NCERT had first applied for the status in September 2022. After a Letter of Intent was issued in 2023, the institution was directed to strengthen academic and research frameworks and introduce doctoral and innovative programmes.
Subsequently, the NCERT submitted a compliance report in November 2025, and it was approved by a UGC expert panel in early 2026, resulting in the issuance of final notification on March 30, 2026.
Govt orders NCERT to adhere to regulatory norms
With the status, the Centre has also directed NCERT to expand research initiatives and launch doctoral programmes while adhering strictly to regulatory norms. As per the norms, it must secure accreditation from bodies like the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), and must participate in the National Institution Ranking Framework (NIRF).
Additionally, the institution has been asked to adopt digital systems like the Academic Bank of Credits and ensure that no commercial or profit-making activities are undertaken.
