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NCERT gets Deemed-to-be-University Status? what does it mean? How it is Different from Regular University Status?
The National Council of Educational Research and Training has been granted deemed university status by the Ministry of Education based on University Grants Commission advice. It will now start research, doctoral, and innovative academic programmes to improve school education in India.
What is a Deemed to be University ?
A Deemed to be University is an institution that is not originally a full university, but is granted university status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Government of India because of its high academic standards and performance.
Key Features
- Can design its own courses and syllabus
- Has the authority to conduct exams and award degrees
- Focuses on specialized education and research
- Given autonomy similar to a university
What is the Difference Between a Regular University and a Deemed University?
Regular University vs Deemed University: Key Differences Explained
- Establishment: Regular universities are created by law (State or Central Govt), while deemed universities are granted status by the Government of India on the recommendation of the University Grants Commission.
- Origin: Regular universities are established as universities from the start; deemed universities begin as institutions and later receive the status.
- Autonomy: Deemed universities enjoy greater flexibility in designing courses, syllabus, and exams, whereas regular universities follow stricter regulations.
- Affiliation: Regular universities have multiple affiliated colleges; deemed universities usually function as single institutions.
- Focus: Regular universities offer a wide range of subjects, while deemed universities often specialize in specific fields.
- Degree Validity: Degrees from both are equally valid if approved by the University Grants Commission.
How Deemed University Status Will Help NCERT: Key Benefits Explained
The National Council of Educational Research and Training has been elevated from a curriculum advisory body to a full academic institution with degree-granting powers, following approval based on University Grants Commission recommendations.
Major Benefits
- Independent Degree Authority:
NCERT can now award its own UG, PG, and PhD degrees, removing dependence on external universities and ensuring uniform academic standards. - Freedom to Design Courses:
It can introduce innovative and specialized programmes such as Educational Technology, Curriculum Studies, and Assessment Reforms without lengthy approvals. - Boost to Research:
With its own doctoral programmes, NCERT can directly link research with school education, improving textbooks and national curriculum frameworks. - Support to NEP 2020:
The status helps implement reforms like 4-year integrated teacher education programmes more effectively. - Global Expansion:
NCERT can establish offshore campuses and share India’s education model internationally. - Student Mobility:
Integration with Academic Bank of Credits allows flexible learning and easier credit transfer across institutions. - Improved Ranking & Reputation:
Participation in national rankings and accreditation systems will enhance quality, accountability, and global recognition.
Earlier Situation of NCERT (Simple Explanation)
The National Council of Educational Research and Training worked mainly as an advisory body, not a full academic institution. It created school curriculum but could not give degrees to the teachers it trained.
Dependence on Other Universities
NCERT operates six major institutes (Regional Institutes of Education or RIEs) in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, and Shillong.
- Its institutes (RIEs) could not award degrees on their own.
- They had to affiliate with local conventional universities (e.g., Utkal University for Bhubaneswar, University of Mysore for Mysuru)
- NCERT had to follow their rules, exams, and schedules, which caused delays and reduced flexibility.
2. Limited Academic Scope
- Mostly focused only on teacher training courses like B.Ed and M.Ed.
- Could not give PhD degrees independently.
- Could not easily start new or specialized courses like Educational Technology.
3. Advisory Role, Not Academic Authority
- It was an autonomous body under the government but not a university.
- Its role was to give advice and design textbooks, not to provide full higher education.
- It was outside the system of the University Grants Commission.
4. Limited Reach and Systems
- Could not open campuses abroad or expand globally.
- Was not part of systems like rankings or credit transfer, making it less flexible for students.
In short, NCERT guided education in India but did not have the power to fully operate as a university.
Why Government Gave This Status?
The Government granted deemed university status to the National Council of Educational Research and Training to transform it from a curriculum advisory body into a full academic authority. This move aims to improve the quality of teacher education across India, promote research-driven school education policies, and support the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). It also seeks to position India as a global hub for education and pedagogy research.
Earlier, NCERT designed what students should study but couldn’t fully control how teachers were trained. Now, it can handle everything—from curriculum to degrees to research, making it a complete education authority.
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