NCERT as an Autonomous Advisory Body: Structure, Functions and Policy Impact

Last Updated: July 31, 2025 at 7:25 pm

Introduction

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) stands as a pivotal institution in India’s educational landscape, functioning as an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Since its establishment in 1961, NCERT has evolved into a primary advisory body that shapes educational policies and practices across the nation, influencing both Union and state governments in their educational decision-making processes.

Historical Foundation and Legal Framework

NCERT was established on 1st September 1961 as an autonomous organisation of the Government of India, registered as a literary, scientific and charitable society under the Societies Registration Act (Act XXI of 1860). The establishment preceded the Education Commission (1964-66), demonstrating the government’s early recognition of the need for a centralised body to coordinate educational research and policy development.

The organisation’s legal framework under the Societies Registration Act provides it with the necessary autonomy to assist and advise both Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education. This autonomous status enables NCERT to function independently while maintaining its advisory role to governmental authorities.

The establishment of NCERT marked a significant shift in India’s approach to educational governance, moving from fragmented regional initiatives to a more coordinated national strategy. This transformation was particularly crucial in the post-independence era, when the country needed to develop a cohesive educational system that could address diverse regional needs while maintaining national standards.

Organisational Structure and Governance

Administrative Setup

NCERT operates with its headquarters located at Sri Aurobindo Marg in New Delhi, from where it coordinates activities across multiple regional institutes and field centres. The organisation is headed by a Director, a position currently held by Dr. Dinesh Prasad Saklani since 2022. The leadership structure includes various academic and administrative departments that work in coordination to fulfil the organisation’s mandate.

Constituent Units and Regional Presence

The NCERT framework includes several constituent units that extend its reach across the country:

  • Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) located in different geographical regions
  • State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) that serve as state-level counterparts
  • Field advisory services that provide ground-level support to schools and teachers
  • Specialised centres for curriculum development, teacher training, and educational research

Core Functions and Responsibilities

Policy Advisory Role

NCERT’s primary function as an advisory body encompasses several key areas:

Curriculum Development: The organisation develops model curricula and syllabi that serve as frameworks for educational boards across the country. These curricula are designed to reflect national educational goals while accommodating regional diversity and cultural contexts.

Educational Research: NCERT conducts extensive research in educational methodologies, learning outcomes, and pedagogical approaches. This research forms the basis for policy recommendations to both Central and state governments.

Teacher Training and Development: The organisation designs and implements comprehensive teacher training programmes that enhance the quality of education delivery across the country.

Textbook Publication: NCERT publishes textbooks and educational materials that are widely used in schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and various state boards.

Major Objectives and Functions

According to NCERT’s official mandate, the major objectives of NCERT and its constituent units are to:

  1. Research and Development: Undertake, aid, promote and coordinate research in areas related to school education with particular emphasis on curriculum development, educational methodology, and learning resources.
  2. Policy Advisory Services: Assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education, serving as a bridge between educational research and policy implementation.
  3. Capacity Building: Organize pre-service and in-service training of teachers and other educational personnel to enhance the quality of education delivery across the country.
  4. Resource Development: Develop and disseminate educational materials, including textbooks, teaching aids, and digital resources that support effective teaching and learning processes.
  5. Quality Assurance: Establish standards and frameworks for educational quality, helping governments establish benchmarks for educational institutions and programmes.
  6. International Cooperation: Facilitate educational exchanges and collaborations with international organisations to incorporate global best practices in Indian education.

Recent Developments and Contemporary Relevance

Contemporary Developments and Policy Integration

NCERT has adapted to modern educational challenges through several key initiatives:

National Education Policy 2020 Implementation: The organisation has played a crucial role in operationalising the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly in developing curricula that align with the policy’s vision of holistic and multidisciplinary education. NCERT has been instrumental in translating policy objectives into practical educational frameworks that can be implemented at the grassroots level.

Expert Committee Formation: In 2023, NCERT constituted a 19-member committee that included prominent figures such as author and Infosys Foundation chairperson Sudha Murthy, musician Shankar Mahadevan, and mathematician Manjul Bhargava. This committee reflects NCERT’s approach of involving diverse experts in educational policy development, ensuring that recommendations are informed by multiple perspectives and expertise areas.

Digital Education Initiatives: The organisation has developed comprehensive digital platforms including the National Curriculum Framework portal (ncf.ncert.gov.in) and various online resources that support remote learning and digital education initiatives. These platforms serve as repositories for curriculum resources, teacher training modules, and educational materials.

Research and Publication Activities: NCERT continues to publish annual reports, research studies, and policy documents that inform educational discourse and policy development. These publications serve as authoritative sources for educational research and policy analysis in India.

Impact on Educational Governance

Standardisation and Quality Enhancement

NCERT’s role in standardising educational content and methodology has contributed significantly to improving the quality of education across India. By providing common frameworks and standards, the organisation has helped reduce disparities in educational quality between different regions and institutions.

Policy Coherence and Coordination

The organisation serves as a bridge between national policy objectives and local implementation realities. Through its advisory functions, NCERT helps ensure that educational policies are coherent, realistic, and aligned with ground-level needs and capabilities.

Capacity Building and Professional Development

NCERT’s training programmes and professional development initiatives have enhanced the capacity of educational administrators, teachers, and policy makers across the country. This capacity building function is crucial for the effective implementation of educational policies and reforms.

Challenges and Areas for Development

Balancing Autonomy and Accountability

As an autonomous organisation, NCERT faces the ongoing challenge of maintaining independence in its research and advisory functions while remaining responsive to government priorities and public accountability mechanisms.

Addressing Regional Diversity

India’s linguistic and cultural diversity presents ongoing challenges for NCERT in developing curricula and policies that are both nationally relevant and regionally appropriate. The organisation continues to work on frameworks that can accommodate this diversity while maintaining educational standards.

Technological Integration

The rapid pace of technological change in education requires NCERT to continuously update its approaches and recommendations. The organisation faces the challenge of integrating new technologies while ensuring that they enhance rather than replace fundamental educational principles.

Future Directions and Emerging Roles

Research and Innovation

NCERT is increasingly focusing on educational research that addresses contemporary challenges such as digital literacy, environmental education, and global competency development. The organisation is working to establish itself as a leading research institution in the field of education.

International Collaboration

The organisation is expanding its international partnerships and collaborations, learning from global best practices while contributing to international educational development initiatives.

Policy Innovation

NCERT is exploring innovative policy approaches that can address emerging educational challenges such as artificial intelligence in education, climate change education, and skills development for the 21st century economy.

Conclusion

NCERT’s role as an autonomous advisory organisation continues to be crucial for India’s educational development. Its unique position allows it to bridge the gap between educational research and policy implementation, providing evidence-based recommendations that inform both Union and state government decisions. As India’s educational landscape continues to evolve, NCERT’s advisory functions will remain essential for ensuring that policy decisions are informed by research, responsive to ground-level realities, and aligned with national educational goals.

The organisation’s continued effectiveness depends on its ability to maintain its autonomy while remaining responsive to the educational needs of the country. Through its comprehensive approach to educational research, policy development, and capacity building, NCERT serves as a vital institution in India’s educational governance structure, contributing to the country’s ongoing efforts to provide quality education for all citizens.

References and Primary Sources

Official Government Sources

  1. National Council of Educational Research and Training. About Us – Official Website. Available at: https://ncert.nic.in/about-us.php (Accessed: 2025)
  2. Ministry of Education, Government of India. NCERT Official Portal. Available at: https://ncert.nic.in/ (Accessed: 2025)
  3. Department of School Education and Literacy. NCERT Information Page. Available at: https://dsel.education.gov.in/ncert (Accessed: 2025)

Legal and Administrative Documents

  1. Government of India. Societies Registration Act (Act XXI of 1860). Legal framework for NCERT’s establishment
  2. National Council of Educational Research and Training. Annual Reports (Various Years). New Delhi: NCERT Publications

Policy Documents and Frameworks

  1. Government of India. National Education Policy 2020. Ministry of Education, New Delhi
  2. National Council of Educational Research and Training. National Curriculum Framework Documents. Available at: https://ncf.ncert.gov.in/ (Accessed: 2025)

Academic and Research Sources

  1. Regional Institute of Education, Mysuru. NCERT: Structure and Functions. Available at: http://riemysore.ac.in/national-council-educational-research-and-training-ncert (Accessed: 2025)
  2. Various NCERT Research Publications and Working Papers. New Delhi: NCERT Publications Division

Additional Resources

  1. Ministry of Education. Educational Statistics and Reports. Government of India Publications
  2. NCERT. Teacher Training Manuals and Guidelines. Various publications from NCERT Press

Archival Note: Historical documents and government notifications regarding NCERT’s establishment and subsequent modifications are available through the National Archives of India and the Ministry of Education’s official records.

Digital Resources: Current policies, circulars, and educational frameworks are accessible through NCERT’s official website and the Ministry of Education’s digital platforms.

Citation Guidelines: This article follows standard academic citation practices and relies primarily on official government sources, NCERT’s own publications, and verifiable institutional documents to ensure accuracy and reliability for encyclopaedic reference.

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