UGC to hold New Delhi World Book Fair from January 10 to 18

The University Grants Commission (UGC) will hold the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2026 from January 10 to 18 at Bharat Mandapam. The book fair will be organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) India, an autonomous body under the ministry of education.

According to the UGC notice, institutions can participate in the book fair by setting up stalls within the ministry of education Pavilion to showcase their academic achievements, innovations, publications, research work, and related materials.

Earlier, based on the 2025 edition of the Book Fair, it was decided that all academic institutions and autonomous bodies under the ministry of education may participate in the 2026 edition under a Pavilion dedicated to the education ministry.

UGC has also requested all higher education institutions (HEls) to spread the information among students and faculty and motivate them to visit the book fair.

Also read UGC mandates strict adherence to Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 while admitting foreign students

NCERT likely to get deemed university

Additionally, as per reports, UGC will grant National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) deemed-to-be-university status. The “groundwork" for the final move has been done and UGC will conduct a meeting to finalise its decision soon. After the approval, NCERT will be able to award its students with UG, PG and PhD degrees.

According to the official UGC website, there are currently about 145 institutions that have been granted deemed university status, with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) being the first to receive this recognition. The website also notes that Tamil Nadu has the highest number of deemed universities in the country.

For queries or to confirm participation in book fair, institutions can contact the director, National Book Trust (NBT), email at director@nbtindia.gov.in, mobile, 9596622222.