Education – NCERT Granted Deemed University Status With Degree Powers
Education – The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been granted the status of a deemed-to-be university, allowing the institution to award its own academic degrees. The decision, confirmed through an official notification, marks a significant development in the country’s education framework and enhances NCERT’s role beyond curriculum design and research.
Official Recognition and Scope
The Ministry of Education, acting on recommendations from the University Grants Commission (UGC), has formally accorded this status to NCERT under a distinct category. Along with the main body, six of its constituent institutions have also been included in this recognition.
These units comprise the Regional Institutes of Education located in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, and Shillong, as well as the Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education in Bhopal. With this move, these institutions will now function under the academic umbrella of NCERT as a deemed university.
Background of the Decision
The approval for this transition was initially granted by the central government nearly three years ago under the De Novo category. Institutions in this category are permitted to focus on emerging and specialized fields of study that are not widely offered elsewhere.
This classification is intended to encourage innovation in education and research. By granting NCERT this status, the government aims to strengthen its capacity to contribute to new areas of academic development, especially in school education and teacher training.
Conditions and Regulatory Framework
The notification outlining this upgrade includes a set of strict conditions. NCERT has been directed to ensure that its operations remain non-commercial in nature. It is explicitly barred from engaging in profit-oriented activities, reinforcing its role as a public educational institution.
Additionally, all academic programmes introduced by NCERT must align with the standards set by the UGC and other relevant statutory bodies. This ensures consistency and quality across its courses.
The institution must also seek approval in accordance with UGC guidelines before launching any new programmes, including those at off-campus or international locations.
Shift in Academic Structure
Until now, the undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by NCERT’s Regional Institutes of Education were affiliated with various local universities. These included institutions such as Barkatullah University in Bhopal, MDS University in Ajmer, the University of Mysuru, Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, and North-Eastern Hill University in Shillong.
With the new status, NCERT will gradually move towards independently managing and awarding degrees for its academic programmes. This transition is expected to streamline academic processes and give the institution greater autonomy.
Focus on Research and Innovation
The Ministry has also instructed NCERT to expand its academic offerings by introducing research-based programmes, including doctoral studies. This marks a shift toward a more comprehensive academic structure that includes advanced research alongside teaching.
The institution is expected to design innovative programmes that respond to changing educational needs, particularly in areas such as pedagogy, curriculum development, and vocational education.
Digital Integration and Rankings
As part of the conditions, NCERT has been directed to participate in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), which evaluates higher education institutions across India. This step is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in its academic performance.
Furthermore, the institution must implement the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system. This involves creating digital academic records for students, enabling the storage and transfer of credits through a centralized platform. These records will be linked to digital lockers, allowing easy access and verification.
A New Phase for NCERT
The granting of deemed university status signals a new phase for NCERT as it evolves from a curriculum-focused body into a full-fledged academic institution. With expanded powers and responsibilities, it is expected to play a more direct role in shaping higher education linked to school systems in India.