एनसीईआरटी को डीम्ड यूनिवर्सिटी का दर्जा मिला, अब यूजीसी के दायरे में

The central government's decision to grant deemed-to-be-university status to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) marks a pivotal shift in India's educational governance. Historically, NCERT functioned primarily as an advisory body, developing curricula and textbooks for school education. This new status fundamentally alters its operational scope, bringing it under the regulatory ambit of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and enabling it to award its own graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees.

This move directly implements key recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly those emphasizing enhanced educational research and teacher training. By becoming a degree-granting institution, NCERT can now directly influence the quality of teacher education programs, which has long been a critical bottleneck in India's schooling system. It can develop specialized courses, conduct advanced research, and foster a more robust academic environment for educational studies.

However, this expansion of mandate also presents significant challenges. NCERT must carefully balance its traditional role in school curriculum development with its new responsibilities as a higher education institution. Maintaining focus on foundational school education, while simultaneously building capacity for advanced research and degree programs, will require substantial resource allocation and strategic planning. The potential for mission creep, where the core mandate of school education is diluted, remains a concern.

Furthermore, the integration into the UGC framework necessitates adherence to higher education standards and regulations, which differ from those governing school education bodies. This transition demands a robust internal restructuring within NCERT to ensure compliance and academic rigor in its new degree programs. The success of this initiative will hinge on NCERT's ability to attract top talent, secure adequate funding, and establish credible academic programs that complement, rather than detract from, its existing crucial functions.