What happened (NCERT declared a Deemed-to-University)
The Ministry of Education declared the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi as an Institution Deemed to be University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. The Ministry issued the notification on 30.03.2026, after the University Grant Commission (UGC) examined NCERT’s application for deemed-to-university status through its Expert Committee.
The decision was linked to NCERT’s capacity to run higher education and research-oriented programmes. The Ministry stated that the deemed-to-university status will strengthen NCERT’s work in educational research and innovation and will support collaboration with national and international agencies.
Background and earlier position (how UGC processing works)
The UGC examined NCERT’s application as per the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023. UGC’s Expert Committee carried out an overall assessment and recommended grant of deemed-to-university status to NCERT, New Delhi. After considering the UGC advice, the Ministry of Education proceeded with the legal declaration under the UGC Act, 1956.
What changed now (condition attached to the deemed status)
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