In a landmark move set to transform India's educational research landscape, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is on the verge of attaining deemed university status. According to sources within the Ministry of Education, the official notification is expected to be issued by March 31, 2025.
Empowering NCERT with Academic Autonomy
This strategic upgrade in status will grant the NCERT, India's premier curriculum and textbook development body, the authority to award its own degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Currently, NCERT's academic offerings, such as those from its Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs), are affiliated with various state universities. The new designation will centralize this power, allowing NCERT to confer degrees directly in its name.
The process has been in motion for some time. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has already given its green light, and the final approval from the Ministry of Education is now the last procedural step. This change aligns with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes strengthening research and innovation within educational institutions.
A Catalyst for Advanced Research and Training
Acquiring deemed university status is not merely an administrative change; it is expected to be a significant catalyst for high-quality research. Officials indicate that this move will empower NCERT faculty and researchers to pursue more ambitious, long-term, and funded research projects. The autonomy will facilitate collaborations with international universities and research bodies more seamlessly.
Professor Dinesh Prasad Saklani, the Director of NCERT, has been a key proponent of this shift. Under his leadership, the council has actively worked towards meeting the criteria for deemed university status, focusing on enhancing its research output and academic infrastructure. The status will enable NCERT to design and offer innovative postgraduate and doctoral programs tailored to contemporary educational needs.
Implications for Students and the Education Ecosystem
For students, especially those enrolled in NCERT's RIEs and other programs, this development promises greater value and recognition for their qualifications. Degrees awarded directly by a deemed-to-be-university NCERT will carry substantial weight in academic and professional circles.
Furthermore, this step is poised to elevate NCERT's role from primarily a curriculum and textbook developer to a premier research hub in school and teacher education. It will allow for deeper, evidence-based studies that can directly inform national education policies, pedagogical practices, and classroom teaching methods across the country.
The imminent notification marks a pivotal moment for Indian education. By transforming NCERT into a deemed university, the government aims to create a powerful, autonomous institution that can drive cutting-edge research, produce highly qualified education professionals, and ultimately contribute to raising the quality of school education nationwide.
