NCERT to Become a University in January 2026: Unique Courses, Research Opportunities, and Global Outreach

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is set to receive deemed university status in January 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s education landscape. After functioning as an autonomous organization since 1961, NCERT will now have the authority to award UG, PG, and PhD degrees. The final approval is expected after the upcoming UGC meeting, followed by an official notification from the Ministry of Education.

Director Speaks on University Status and Benefits
According to Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director, NCERT, the transition to university status will enable NCERT to establish international collaborations, student exchange programs, and placement initiatives, similar to globally renowned Indian institutions like IITs and CBSE.

Currently, NCERT’s Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) are affiliated with state universities. Though the BSc BEd and BA BEd integrated courses are highly reputed, students receive degrees from state universities, often facing delays in exams and results. Becoming a university will allow NCERT to set its own academic calendar, conduct examinations efficiently, and experiment with innovative teaching and research programs.

Research and Academic Expansion
NCERT will now offer PhD programs and enable students to publish research papers that can influence policy-making and address school education needs. The main campus will expand, and hostel facilities will be introduced. The university will also cater to teacher training demands and strengthen research capabilities.

Five Unique Master’s Programs at NCERT University

| Course | Focus Area | Master in Educational Assessment & Psychometrics | Training professionals to design valid, reliable, and unbiased assessment tools, analyze large-scale assessment data, and implement school-based and technology-driven evaluations. |
| Master in School Governance & Leadership | Developing school heads and system-level leaders to enhance educational quality, instructional leadership, governance, and organizational management in line with NEP 2020. |
| Master in Educational Technology | Strategic use of digital content and national online platforms to improve access, equity, and quality in education as emphasized by NEP 2020. |
| Master in Multilingual Education | Designing curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment that respect cultural contexts and support learning in multiple languages. |
| Master in Curriculum Development & Evaluation | Preparing experts to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum according to the national framework and learner needs. |

Global Presence and Outreach
NCERT University will aim to establish international collaborations, open campuses abroad, and conduct teacher training and research programs globally. These initiatives are expected to benefit both state governments and students, enhancing India’s educational impact on the world stage.

Prof. Saklani concludes, “NCERT University will transform the education sector by combining rigorous research, professional development, and global engagement, creating skilled educators and policy-makers for the future.”