The National Knowledge Commission recommended the establishment of

The National Knowledge Commission proposed creating up to 50 new national universities to expand quality higher education and serve as models of excellence.

These were envisaged as world-class multidisciplinary institutions spread across the country.

It did not confine its recommendation to 50 technical universities, since its concern was general higher education broadly.

It did not call for 50 universities devoted only to science education.

Nor did it recommend 50 universities of yoga and naturopathy.

The Commission, chaired by Sam Pitroda, submitted its reports between 2006 and 2009.