NCERT gets Deemed University Status, Informs Education Minister

New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has achieved a significant milestone by being conferred the status of a deemed university, as announced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This announcement was made during an event commemorating the 63rd foundation day of NCERT in the national capital.

Mr. Pradhan, while addressing the gathering, stated, “Today, I want to announce that we are granting the status of ‘deemed to be university’ to NCERT.”

Additionally, the Education Minister proposed the amalgamation of Bal Bhavans and Bal Vatika with NCERT to provide comprehensive education to children.

Established in 1961 under the Society Act, NCERT’s primary role is to offer assistance and guidance to the government in the domain of school education.

The status of ‘deemed-to-be-university’ is conferred by the Central government, on the recommendation of the University Grants Commission (UGC), to institutions of higher education that excel in specific areas of study. Institutions bearing this designation enjoy the academic stature and privileges typically associated with universities.

With its newfound ‘deemed university’ status, NCERT will have the authority to confer its own graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees.

During the event, Minister Pradhan inaugurated three laboratories, including one dedicated to virtual reality education and another focused on teacher training.

In his address, Minister Pradhan drew parallels between the success of Chandrayaan-3, India’s lunar mission, and the National Education Policy (NEP). He expressed confidence that the NEP would be as successful as the recent ISRO project.

“The credit for the Chandrayaan-3’s successful handling should also go to NCERT, as it is where the idea of such projects germinate,” said Dharmendra Pradhan. “NEP is like Chandrayaan-3. It would be successful. Nothing can stop it,” he added.