Historic Shift: NCERT to Transform into Deemed University by 2026

NCERT is set to be granted deemed-to-be-university status by the end of January 2026. This upgrade will allow the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to award its own undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees, moving beyond its traditional role of school-level curriculum and textbooks.

Key Highlights of the Transition

• Status Change: NCERT will become a deemed university, pending final approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Timeline: The groundwork is complete, and the UGC is expected to finalize the decision in its upcoming meeting by January-end 2026.
• Funding: NCERT will continue to be primarily funded by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education.
• Academic Powers: Once granted, NCERT can independently award UG, PG, and PhD degrees.
• Global Collaboration: The move is expected to open avenues for international partnerships and strengthen India’s research ecosystem.

What Changes for NCERT?

Current Role	Future Role (Deemed University)
Designs school curricula and textbooks	Offers UG, PG, and PhD programs
Provides teacher training modules	Conducts advanced teacher education and research
Advisory body for school education	Full-fledged research university with global collaborations
Limited to school-level focus	Expands into higher education and multidisciplinary research

Why This Matters

• For Students: Opens new pathways to pursue higher education directly under NCERT, known for its academic rigor.
• For Teachers: Enhances professional development opportunities through advanced degrees and research programs.
• For India’s Education System: Strengthens the country’s position in global education by enabling NCERT to contribute beyond school-level reforms.

Potential Challenges

• Transition Management: Shifting from a curriculum body to a university requires structural and administrative overhaul.
• Maintaining Focus: Balancing school-level responsibilities with higher education ambitions could stretch resources.
• Global Standards: To succeed internationally, NCERT must ensure its research output meets global benchmarks.