NCERT to Receive Deemed-to-be-University Status by End of January 2026

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the cornerstone of India’s school education system for over six decades, is set for a historic elevation. Ministry of Education sources confirm that NCERT is likely to be conferred deemed-to-be-university status by the end of January 2026, following final approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC).

All preparatory groundwork has been completed, and the proposal awaits discussion in an upcoming UGC meeting. “The preparation has been done. The UGC has to hold a meeting to make a decision. We are hopeful that once the next meeting takes place, the update will come by the end of the month,” a senior ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

The NCERT headquarters in New Delhi, home to the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET).This development revives a long-standing proposal first publicly announced in September 2023 by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during NCERT’s 63rd Foundation Day celebrations. At the time, Pradhan described the move as a pivotal step to reposition NCERT as a premier research university.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who has championed NCERT’s evolution into a research-focused institution.”NCERT has established a formidable presence in research, curriculum development, teacher training, and educational innovation. On becoming a research university, it will offer opportunities for global collaborations and contributions to the global educational sector,” Pradhan had stated.

The status will be granted under the UGC’s de novo category, reserved for institutions excelling in unique or emerging areas of knowledge. This special designation recognises NCERT’s unparalleled expertise in school education pedagogy, curriculum frameworks, and educational research.

Once approved, NCERT will gain significant academic autonomy:

• The ability to independently award graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees.
• Freedom to design new courses, syllabi, admission policies, and fee structures.
• Expanded scope for in-house research programmes in emerging fields like educational technology, inclusive learning, and AI in education.
• Enhanced capacity for international partnerships and joint research initiatives.

NCERT will continue to be primarily funded by the Department of School Education and Literacy, ensuring its core mandate in school curriculum and textbook development remains intact while opening doors to higher education.

NCERT textbooks have long been a staple in Indian classrooms, shaping generations of students.Established in 1961 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, NCERT has played a central role in implementing national education policies, including the recent National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

It develops model textbooks used by millions across CBSE and state boards, conducts teacher training, and serves as the nodal agency for National Curriculum Frameworks.

The elevation aligns with NEP 2020’s vision of multidisciplinary institutions and greater integration between school and higher education. Experts believe it will strengthen India’s push towards research-driven, skills-based learning and position NCERT as a global leader in education research.

As the UGC prepares for its crucial meeting, anticipation builds among educators and policymakers. If approved, this change will mark a new chapter for NCERT, transforming it from a curriculum authority into a full-fledged university poised to influence education worldwide.

Signpost NewsDesk

Signpost News is an Imphal-based media house that focuses on delivering news and views from Northeast India and beyond.