From Textbooks to Research: NCERT Now a ‘Deemed University’—A Major Leap from School to Higher Education

NCERT has now been granted the status of a ‘Deemed-to-be University,’ enabling it to initiate research, PhD programs, and new academic courses.

The country’s premier institution associated with school education has now entered a new era. The indications that emerged nearly three years ago have now become a reality. NCERT has now been formally accorded the status of a “Deemed-to-be University.”

Until now, NCERT was recognized primarily as the institution responsible for defining school curricula, producing textbooks, and setting educational guidelines. However, following this new designation, the institution will also be able to launch research initiatives, PhD programs, and new academic courses. In essence, moving beyond the realm of school education, it will now also make inroads into the field of higher education.

The Ministry of Education recently issued a notification announcing this development. This decision was taken based on the advice of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, NCERT—along with its six constituent units—has been granted the status of a Deemed University under a “special category.”

These constituent units include the Regional Institutes of Education located in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysore, and Shillong, as well as the Bhopal-based Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education.

Research and PhD Programs to Commence

NCERT is now set to launch research programs, PhD courses, and various new types of academic programs. This signifies that the institution will no longer be confined merely to the production of textbooks; rather, it will also engage in in-depth research on education.

Concerns Raised Earlier

However, this transition was not met with universal acceptance. In 2022, some faculty members within NCERT itself had expressed concerns that attaining the status of a Deemed University could potentially curtail the institution’s academic autonomy. They held the view that this move would subject NCERT to the regulatory framework of the UGC, thereby potentially weakening its independent authority over school education.

Compliance with UGC Regulations is Mandatory

The notification explicitly states that all courses introduced by NCERT must adhere to the standards prescribed by the UGC. Furthermore, prior to launching any new academic course or establishing a new center, NCERT is required to comply with the guidelines issued by the UGC. Furthermore, it has been clarified that the NCERT cannot engage in any form of commercial or profit-making activity.

Inclusion in Ranking and Accreditation Processes

The NCERT will now be required to participate in national ranking and accreditation processes, much like other higher education institutions. It must participate in the NIRF annually and obtain accreditation from bodies such as the NAAC and the NBA.

Implementation of the Academic Bank of Credits

Similar to higher education institutions, the NCERT will also be required to implement the ABC system. Students’ credit scores will be recorded digitally, thereby ensuring that their academic records remain secure and organized.

Status Granted After a Lengthy Process

This decision follows a lengthy process. The NCERT received a Letter of Intent in August 2023. Subsequently, a compliance report was submitted in November 2025, which was approved by the UGC’s Expert Committee. Final consensus on the matter was reached during a UGC meeting held on January 30.