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Min Read
India’s leading academic institution, NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training), is now preparing to take a major step in the field of higher education. After recently receiving the status of a deemed university, NCERT is planning to launch postgraduate (PG) and doctoral (PhD) programmes in the field of education. Officials from the Ministry of Education have confirmed this development.
Until now, NCERT has primarily been known for developing school curricula, publishing NCERT textbooks, teacher training and conducting educational research. However, the institution is now set to strengthen its role in higher education and research-based learning as well.
PG and Research-Based Programmes to Begin Soon
According to officials, NCERT will introduce postgraduate and research-oriented programmes in education. These programmes are expected to focus on areas such as Teacher Education, Education Policy, Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology (EdTech).
Although the official launch date for these courses has not yet been announced, the ministry stated that preparations are progressing rapidly. Experts believe that these programmes will give a new direction to educational research and teacher training in the country.
Deemed University Status Granted in April 2026
This initiative comes after the Ministry of Education granted NCERT the status of 'Institution Deemed to be University' in April 2026. The recognition was awarded under the 'distinct category.'
With this new status, NCERT will now be able to launch its own undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. The institution will also have the authority to design its own curriculum, set academic standards and award degrees.
NCERT’s Role Will Expand Beyond Textbooks
Experts say that this development will significantly broaden NCERT’s role. The institution will no longer remain limited to preparing school textbooks but will also play an important role in higher-level research, policy development and teacher education.
Under the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), there is a strong focus on making India’s education system more modern and research-oriented. In this context, NCERT’s upcoming programmes are expected to play a key role in preparing future educators and education experts.
Special Focus on Teacher Education and EdTech
Sources indicate that the new courses will prioritize Teacher Education, Digital Learning, Educational Technology (EdTech), Curriculum Development and Educational Administration.
With online education and digital learning rapidly growing across the country, the demand for trained teachers and education technology experts is also increasing. NCERT’s new programmes are expected to help students and educators adapt to the modern education system.
RIE Institutions Across India to Benefit
NCERT operates five Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) across the country. These institutes are located in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru and Shillong. In addition, the Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE) in Bhopal also functions under NCERT.
Under the new arrangement, these institutions will also benefit from the deemed university status. This is expected to strengthen teacher training, educational research and academic activities at the regional level.
Compliance with UGC and NAAC Norms Mandatory
Although NCERT has been granted greater autonomy, it will still have to comply with the rules and quality standards set by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
The aim is to ensure that NCERT’s new courses meet national and international academic standards and provide high-quality education to students.
Why Is This Step Important for the Education Sector?
According to education experts, NCERT’s entry into higher education could prove to be a major transformation for India’s education system. At present, there are limited institutions in the country dedicated to educational research and teacher training. In such a scenario, NCERT launching PG and PhD programmes could significantly improve the quality of education.
Experts believe that this initiative will help prepare a new generation of teachers, researchers and education policy specialists. It will also strengthen India’s goal of becoming a global knowledge hub.
