The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has officially been granted deemed university status by the Ministry of Education in India, as per a notification issued on Thursday. This status allows NCERT to design its own courses and award both graduate and postgraduate degrees independently. The decision, which follows a proposal approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in March 2023, categorizes NCERT under the 'de-novo' category, enabling it to establish educational programs in unique and emerging fields. The NCERT includes six regional institutes of education located in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, and Shillong, along with the Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education in Bhopal. While NCERT can now operate with greater autonomy, it must adhere to UGC guidelines, ensuring that its courses align with educational standards and do not engage in commercial activities. Furthermore, NCERT will be subject to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and must comply with the accreditation criteria set by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). This development marks a significant step in enhancing the educational landscape in India.