Context
The Ministry of Education has issued a formal notification declaring the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as an institution deemed to be a university. This status follows recommendations from an expert panel approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in January.
1. Key Provisions and Implications
- Expanded Role: The new status transitions NCERT from a nodal school curriculum body into a higher education and research institution.
- Degree-Granting Authority: NCERT and its six regional institutes are now empowered to offer academic courses, design their own programmes, and grant degrees (undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral).
- Research Focus: The mandate specifically directs the body to begin doctoral programmes and expand into “innovative academic areas”.
- Global Reach: The notification allows for the establishment of off-campus or offshore campuses, provided they comply with UGC norms and guidelines.
Mandatory Compliance and Conditions
- UGC Norms: All academic courses must conform to the standards prescribed by the UGC and other relevant statutory bodies.
- Non-Commercial Nature: NCERT is strictly prohibited from engaging in any activities that are “commercial” or “profit-making” in nature.
- Accreditation: The institution must secure accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and obtain programme ratings from the National Board of Accreditation.
- NEP 2020 Alignment: All future expansions and academic endeavours must align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
About NCERT:
NCERT (1961) is an autonomous body under the Government of India that advises Centre and States on improving school education quality.
Key Functions:
- Conducts and promotes research in school education
- Develops textbooks, learning materials, and digital content
- Organises teacher training (pre-service & in-service)
- Promotes innovative teaching methods and practices
- Collaborates with states, universities, NGOs, and international organisations
- Acts as a nodal agency for Universalisation of Elementary Education
- Supports bilateral and international educational exchange programmes
With reference to the recent notification regarding NCERT, consider the following statements:
1. NCERT has been granted the status of a “deemed-to-be-university”.
2. It can now award undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees.
3. It is now completely independent of UGC regulations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Detailed Explanation
• Statement 1 is Correct: The Ministry of Education has officially notified the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as an institution deemed to be a university. This status was granted based on the recommendations of an expert panel from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Statement 2 is Correct: This new status transforms NCERT from a curriculum body into a higher education and research institution. It is now authorized to offer academic programs and grant degrees at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
• Statement 3 is Incorrect: NCERT is not independent of UGC regulations. The notification explicitly states that all academic courses and programs must conform to the norms and standards prescribed by the UGC and other relevant statutory bodies. Additionally, it must comply with UGC guidelines regarding the establishment of new or offshore campuses.
