NCERT Gets ‘Deemed University’ Status: What It Means for India’s Education System

The Ministry of Education has granted the ‘deemed to be university’ status to National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). This decision was taken by the recommendation of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and it is placing the NCERT under the distinct category of the institutions. After this status it will be expected to enhance the academic autonomy and will enable it to launch the various advanced research and doctoral program in the school education.

What Does ‘Deemed to be University’ Status Mean?

The ‘deemed to be university’ tag is granted to those institutions which are demonstrate the high standards in the teaching and research.

It also allows them with greater academic freedom compared to the regular institutions.

For the NCERT this status means the,

• Authority to design and to offering the PhD and advanced research programs.
• Also the flexibility to introduce the innovative academic courses as per their reach.
• Will strengthened the role in to shaping the education policy and the curriculum development for the good future outcome.

This move is aimed at to transforming the NCERT into the leading research driven institution in the school education.

Why This Decision is Important for India’s Education System

To Granting the university status to NCERT is the strategic reform which is aligned with India’s broader education goals.

It is also expected to promote the evidence-based policymaking in school education along with to improve the quality of teacher training and curriculum design.

Adding to that encourage the innovation in teaching methods  and learning materials for the students.

With focusing on the research and academic excellence theNCERT can now play the more direct role and important to addressing the challenges in India’s schoolling education system.

Role of UGC in Granting the Status

The proposal for to granting this status was processed via the UGC portal and will be evaluated by an expert committee. After reviewing NCERT’s capabilities the UGC had approved the recommendation.

The involvement of UGC will ensures the academic standards are to be maintained and credibility of the institutions will also be strengthened. The regulatory guidelines are followed by this approach.

And this highlights the importance of the structured evaluation in higher education reforms.

About NCERT: A Key Institution in Indian Education

NCERT was Established in the year 1961 and it is an autonomous organization which plays the central role in Indian school education system.

NCERT assists the both central and state governments to improve the quality of education across the India.

The major functions of them includes the,

• Developing the school textbooks and learning materials
• Also to conducting educational research and training program
• Along with that advising the governments on education policies and reforms

The NCERT textbooks are widely used across India and they are considered as the foundational for the academic learning.