Based on the advice of the UGC, the Ministry of Education has designated the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as an institution that falls under a distinct category and is therefore considered a university. In its statement, the Ministry announced that an online application was submitted to the UGC Portal to grant NCERT the status of a university under this distinct category. The Ministry also stated that the UGC Expert Committee's recommendation was reviewed and approved by the commission. The Ministry also directed NCERT to take appropriate steps to initiate research programs, as well as doctoral and innovative academic programs.
The NCERT is an autonomous organization established in 1961 by the Government to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programs for improving school education. The main objectives of the NCERT and its constituent units are to undertake, promote, and coordinate research in areas related to school education, prepare and publish model textbooks, supplementary materials, newsletters, and journals, among others.