Parliament Question: Grant of Deemed University Status to NCERT

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3607 ANSWERED ON – 10/08/2026 Grant of Deemed University Status to NCERT 3607. Shri V K Sreekandan: Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that an Expert Panel had recommended the grant of deemed-to-be university status to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether it is also a fact that the University Grants Commission (UGC), based on the said recommendations, has granted deemed-to-be university status to NCERT and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is true that the new status will empower NCERT to design academic programmes and expand its role from curriculum body to a higher education and research institution; and (d) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR) (a) to (d): The application of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi for grant of Institution Deemed to be University status was examined by the University Grant Commission (UGC) through its Expert Committee as per the provisions of the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023. The Committee, after overall assessment, recommended for grant of Institutions Deemed to be University to NCERT, New Delhi. Considering the advice of UGC, the Ministry of Education, vide Notification dated 30.03.2026, declared NCERT, New Delhi as an Institution Deemed to be University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. The said declaration was subject to condition that it shall take appropriate steps to commence research programmes as well as doctoral and innovative academic programmes. The status of Institution Deemed to be University will strengthen the NCERT to promote educational research & innovation and collaborate with national and international agencies. It will further reinforce its role as a think tank and as national resource institution engaged in providing technical support to the Central Government as well as State Governments. *****