NCERT Achieves Deemed University Status: A New Era in Higher Education

In a landmark decision, the government has conferred 'Deemed University' status upon NCERT, marking its entry into higher education. This change, approved by the Union Ministry of Education based on UGC recommendations, affects NCERT's main office and its six constituent institutes across India. The institutes, previously affiliated with various universities, can now introduce new academic programs without prior approval. Furthermore, NCERT must comply with UGC standards, participate in national rankings, and implement digital systems. This move is set to reshape the educational landscape in India, enhancing NCERT's role in higher education.

By Sourabh Singh Apr 4, 2026, 10:22 IST

NCERT's Transition to Higher Education

The government has made a significant move by granting the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) the designation of a 'Deemed University.' This decision, made by the Union Ministry of Education, follows the recommendations from the University Grants Commission (UGC). An expert committee had advised the UGC to issue a 'Letter of Intent' to NCERT, which has now been officially sanctioned.

As per the Ministry's notification, NCERT submitted its application for 'Deemed University' status through the UGC portal, in accordance with Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, and has received formal approval.

**Impact on NCERT's Institutes**

This new status applies not only to NCERT's main office in Delhi but also extends to its six affiliated institutes. These include the Regional Institutes of Education located in Ajmer (Rajasthan), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Bhubaneswar (Odisha), and Mysore (Karnataka), along with the North East Regional Institute of Education in Shillong (Meghalaya) and the Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh).

Previously, these institutes operated under various universities, such as Barkatullah University (Bhopal) and Mysore University, requiring them to seek approval from their parent institutions for new academic programs. This requirement has now been lifted.

**Compliance with UGC Standards**

The notification indicates that NCERT will now function under the UGC's regulatory framework, meaning its academic offerings must comply with UGC standards. Any new academic programs or campuses, whether on-campus or offshore, must adhere strictly to UGC guidelines.

**NIRF Participation and Accreditation**

Additionally, the Ministry's notification mandates that NCERT must refrain from any commercial activities and prohibits the misuse of funds without prior consent. NCERT is now obligated to engage in national rankings through the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), secure accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), and implement digital initiatives like the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).