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Daily Current Affairs MCQs, Daily Current Affairs MCQs (April 3, 2026), Daily Current Affairs MCQs (April, 2026)
NCERT Deemed University Status 2026 – Conditions, UGC and NEP 2020 Compliance
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Question (English)
Recently in 2026, the Centre granted the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) the status of 'Institution deemed to be University under distinct category'. Which of the following correctly describes a condition imposed under this new status?
- NCERT must obtain accreditation from NAAC and comply with UGC norms and NEP 2020, while strictly prohibited from profit-making activities ✓ Correct
- NCERT is now permitted to levy tuition fees equivalent to central universities and generate revenue from commercial licensing of textbooks
- NCERT can establish campuses only within the National Capital Territory and five EMRS-affiliated regions
- NCERT must seek prior parliamentary approval before introducing each new academic programme under this status
Explanation:
Correct Answer: NCERT must obtain NAAC accreditation and comply with UGC norms and NEP 2020, while strictly prohibited from profit-making activities
In 2026, the Centre granted NCERT the status of an 'Institution deemed to be University under distinct category.' This is a landmark step in expanding India's higher education and research ecosystem under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework.
Key Features of NCERT's New Deemed University Status
- Degree-Granting Authority: NCERT, along with its 6 regional institutes, can now independently offer academic courses and confer degrees.
- Regulatory Compliance: All programs must adhere to UGC norms and standards and align with NEP 2020.
- Academic Expansion: NCERT is mandated to initiate new research, doctoral, and innovative programs; can establish off-campus and offshore campuses per UGC guidelines.
- Non-Profit Mandate: Strictly prohibited from engaging in any commercial or profit-making activities.
- Mandatory Accreditation: Must secure institutional accreditation from NAAC and specific program ratings from the National Board of Accreditation (NBA).
- National Rankings: Must participate in annual NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) rankings.
- Digital Integration: Must compulsorily adopt the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Levying tuition fees and commercial licensing — Directly contradicts the non-profit mandate imposed under this status.
- Campuses only in NCT — Incorrect; NCERT is authorized to establish off-campus and even offshore campuses as per UGC guidelines.
- Prior parliamentary approval for each programme — No such condition has been imposed; compliance with UGC norms is the applicable regulatory mechanism.
