The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), a cornerstone of India’s school education system, may soon be on the verge of a significant institutional upgrade. According to officials familiar with the matter, the organisation is likely to be granted deemed-to-be-university status before the end of January, pending final approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The proposed transition traces back to 2023, when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced plans to reposition NCERT as a research-focused institution. The vision involves expanding its academic footprint beyond textbook development and embedding it within global research and academic collaborations, thereby strengthening India’s presence in international education networks.
At present, NCERT functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education. Its responsibilities span curriculum development, textbook preparation for central and several state boards, educational research, and teacher training initiatives. However, it does not currently award degrees or run postgraduate or doctoral programmes, functions typically associated with universities.
Sources indicate that all groundwork for the status change has been completed. “The process is nearly finished. The UGC only needs to take a formal decision in its upcoming meeting, after which clarity is expected by month-end,” a senior official said, suggesting the decision is imminent.
If approved, NCERT would gain the authority to function as a full-fledged research university. This would enable it to launch higher education programmes, including master’s and PhD courses, undertake large-scale research projects, and independently award academic degrees. Such a move would mark a shift from NCERT’s traditional advisory role to one with direct influence over academic and research pathways.
Despite the anticipated expansion of academic powers, NCERT’s primary funding is expected to continue coming from the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education. This ensures that its foundational commitment to school-level education remains central, even as its higher education role grows.
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In the Indian higher education framework, deemed-to-be-university status grants institutions substantial academic autonomy. This includes freedom to design courses, determine admission processes, set fee structures, and award degrees. India currently has around 145 such institutions, with the Indian Institute of Science being the first to receive this recognition.
The potential elevation of NCERT aligns closely with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on research-led and multidisciplinary institutions. Subject to approval by the UGC and the Central Government, NCERT would join the league of autonomous higher education bodies, assuming a more expansive role in shaping India’s educational and research landscape.
