Union Minister for Education announces NCERT as Deemed-to-be-University

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister for Education announces NCERT as Deemed-to-be-University”  published in PIB on 2nd September 2023

What is the News?

The Union Minister for Education has announced that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been given the status of a Deemed-to-be-University. 

What is ‘Deemed-to-be-university’ status?

The Central Government on the advice of the University Grants Commission (UGC) can declare an Institution of Higher Education other than universities working at a very high standard in a specific area of study as an Institution ‘Deemed-to-be-university’.

Institutions that are ‘deemed-to-be-university’ enjoy the academic status and privileges of a university.

Deemed to be universities like other universities have the autonomy of offering various courses and therefore, preparing students for various examinations and awards. 

These institutions can also design their own syllabus and courses to prepare the students to foray into diverse fields after the completion of their study.

What is NCERT?

NCERT is an autonomous organization set up in 1961 by the Government of India to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education.

The Executive Committee (EC) is the highest decision-making body of NCERT and is chaired by the Education Minister.