Context: NCERT deemed university
The Union Education Ministry has declared NCERT a deemed university, allowing it to run courses, award degrees and start PhD programmes.
1. NCERT: What it is
• Set up in 1961 by Government resolution
• Autonomous body (not created by an Act) under Ministry of Education
Core role
• Designs school curriculum (Classes 1–12)
• Prepares NCERT textbooks
• Develops syllabus, pedagogy, learning standards
• Teacher training and academic research
Position earlier
• Only academic body for school education
• No power to give degrees
2. Deemed University: Meaning
UGC Act, 1956 — Section 3
• Status given by Central Government on UGC advice
• Institution becomes “equivalent to a university”
Powers
• Grant degrees
• Start PhD / higher education courses
• Design own syllabus
3. What changes for NCERT
• From school-level academic body → higher education institution
Can
• Offer BA, MA, PhD (education-related fields)
• Expand into research & innovation
4. Key Features of Deemed Status
• High academic autonomy
• Must follow UGC norms + NAAC accreditation
• No profit/commercial activities
• Can open campuses only as per UGC rules
