The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has officially been granted deemed-to-be university status by the Ministry of Education, following recommendations from the University Grants Commission (UGC). This landmark decision enables NCERT to award its own degrees, launch doctoral (PhD) programmes, and significantly expand its role in teacher education and research across India. This development is highly relevant for students, teacher aspirants, and education professionals across India and globally.
The recognition has been granted under the ‘De Novo’ category, which is reserved for institutions engaged in innovative and emerging areas of study not commonly offered by traditional universities. With this, NCERT joins the league of premier institutions empowered to independently design and deliver academic programmes.
What Does Deemed University Status Mean for NCERT?
With the new status, NCERT can now:
- Award its own degrees instead of relying on affiliated universities
- Launch PhD and advanced research programmes
- Introduce innovative academic courses in education and pedagogy
- Strengthen its role as a national leader in teacher training and curriculum development
Previously, NCERT’s constituent institutions were affiliated with various state universities for degree certification. This change will streamline academic processes and enhance institutional autonomy.
Institutions Covered Under NCERT’s New Status
The deemed university status applies to NCERT and its six constituent institutions, including:
- Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Ajmer
- RIE Bhopal
- RIE Bhubaneswar
- RIE Mysuru
- RIE Shillong
- Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal
These institutions will now function under a unified academic framework with expanded capabilities.
What is ‘De Novo’ Deemed University Status?
The De Novo category is granted to institutions focusing on unique, emerging, or interdisciplinary fields. As per UGC norms:
- It allows institutions to pursue specialised research areas
- Encourages innovation in higher education
- Supports cutting-edge academic programmes not widely available elsewhere
The Centre had approved this status for NCERT three years ago, and it has now been formally implemented after evaluation by the UGC Expert Committee.
Impact on Students and Teacher Aspirants
This decision is expected to have a significant impact on the education ecosystem:
- Students will receive degrees directly from NCERT, enhancing credibility
- Teacher training programmes will become more standardised and advanced
- Opportunities for research in education, pedagogy, and policy will increase
- Greater focus on vocational and interdisciplinary education
Current Affiliation System (Before Status Upgrade)
Earlier, NCERT’s RIEs were affiliated with universities such as:
- Barkatullah University, Bhopal
- MDS University, Ajmer
- University of Mysuru
- Utkal University, Bhubaneswar
- North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong
With the new status, NCERT will gradually transition away from these affiliations.
Quick Reference Summary
| Aspect | Details |
| Institution | NCERT |
| New Status | Deemed-to-be University |
| Approved By | Ministry of Education (on UGC recommendation) |
| Category | De Novo |
| Key Benefit | Can award degrees & launch PhD programmes |
| Institutions Covered | RIEs + PSSCIVE |
| Official Website | ncert.nic.in |
Future Plans for NCERT
The Ministry of Education has directed NCERT to:
- Begin doctoral and research programmes
- Develop innovative academic courses
- Strengthen its role in national education policy implementation
This aligns with India’s focus on improving teacher education standards and promoting research-driven learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| What is the new status granted to NCERT? |
| NCERT has been granted deemed-to-be university status. |
| What does this status allow NCERT to do? |
| It allows NCERT to award its own degrees and start PhD and research programmes. |
| Under which category was NCERT recognised? |
| NCERT has been recognised under the De Novo category. |
| Which institutions come under NCERT’s new status? |
| All RIEs and PSSCIVE Bhopal are included. |
| Who approved this decision? |
| The Ministry of Education approved it based on UGC recommendations. |
| Will NCERT still be affiliated with other universities? |
| No, it will gradually move away from external affiliations. |
| How does this benefit students? |
| Students will receive degrees directly from NCERT and gain access to advanced programs. |
| What new programs will NCERT introduce? |
| PhD, research-based, and innovative academic programs in education and related fields. |
The granting of deemed university status to NCERT marks a transformative step in India’s education system. It empowers the institution to drive innovation, enhance teacher education, and expand research opportunities. Students and educators should keep an eye on upcoming degree programmes and PhD admissions through the official NCERT platform. Visit ncert.nic.in for official updates and bookmark this page for the latest developments in education policy and reforms, for more details CLICK HERE
