NEP 2020 and Indian Higher Education: Pathways to Holistic, Flexible, and Global Transformation

Abstract

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a transformative juncture in the trajectory of India’s higher education system, representing the most comprehensive policy overhaul in over three decades. With a vision centered on accessibility, equity, quality, and global competitiveness, NEP 2020 introduces sweeping reforms intended to modernize and democratize Indian higher education. Key policy innovations include the establishment of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) to streamline governance, the integration of multiple entry and exit options through the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), and a policy shift enabling top-ranked global universities to establish campuses in India, fostering internationalization and academic cross-pollination. This study employs a qualitative interpretive synthesis methodology, drawing on secondary data from government reports, academic literature, and leading media sources to analyze NEP 2020’s early implementation outcomes. Findings reveal substantial progress in institutional expansion, student enrolment, particularly among underrepresented groups, and improved representation in international rankings. However, the analysis also identifies persistent challenges, including regional disparities in enrolment and infrastructure, gaps in research quality and collaboration, and a widening digital divide, especially in rural and socio-economically marginalized communities. The paper argues that while NEP 2020 sets forth a visionary, future-oriented agenda, its realization depends on strategic execution, robust regulatory frameworks, sustained public investment, and inclusive implementation mechanisms. The policy’s long-term impact will rest on the ability of stakeholders to translate its aspirational goals into institutional and pedagogical realities.