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Revamping NEP Paradigms to Boost Multilingualism and Elevate English Language and Communication Skills in India
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Language and Education
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I3-1710814-9508
Abstract
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to promote an equitable society through universal access to quality education. A significant aspect of the policy is its emphasis on multilingualism, recognising the crucial role of language in enhancing critical thinking skills. This research paper explores the evolution of India's National Education Policies (NEPs), the shift from promoting regional and national languages in earlier policies to a more global, employability-driven focus in recent initiatives. This transition highlights the increasing importance of English language proficiency and effective communication as essential competencies for academic and professional success. Language instruction is evolving towards experiential learning, prioritising conversation and interactive engagement rather than merely emphasising literature, vocabulary, and grammar. The paper examines the integration of English language skills with skill development in the latest policy, which prepares students to navigate an increasingly interconnected and competitive job market. This holistic approach seeks to enhance both linguistic proficiency and critical thinking, ultimately contributing to a more equitable educational landscape in India
Keywords
English, Communication Skills, Multilingualism, Employability, Language Policy, India
References
[1] The Hindu. (2017, January 28). English as a Link Language
[2] Ministry of Education. (1968). National Policy on Education 1968. Government of India.
[3] Ministry of Education. (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Government of India. Retrieved from: https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_file s/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf
[4] Ministry of Education. (1986). National Policy on Education 1986 (Modified in 1992). Government of India. Retrieved from: https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_file s/mhrd/files/upload_document/npe.pdf
[5] Kumar, P. (2021). English Language Proficiency: An Emerging Skill for Indian Students in the Digital Age. International Journal of English Education.
[6] Ministry of Education (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Government of India. https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_file s/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf
[7] Vajirao & Reddy IAS Institute. (2024, December 14). India Skills Report 2025. Retrieved from https://www.vajiraoinstitute.com/upsc-ias- current-affairs/india-skills-report-2025.aspx
[8] ThePrint. (2025, February 11). NITI Aayog says lack of English proficiency key barrier to state university graduates getting jobs. Retrieved from https://theprint.in/india/education/niti- aayog-says-lack-of-english-proficiency-key- barrier-to-state-university-graduates-getting- jobs/2489043/
[9] National Council for Teacher Education. (2021). Revised Guidelines for Teacher Education under NEP. NCTE
[10] FICCI-EY. (2022). Future of Jobs in India: A 2022 Outlook. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry.
[11] Azam, M., Chin, A., & Prakash, N. (2013). The returns to English-language skills in India. Economic Development and Cultural Change, 61(2), 335–367
How to cite this paper
@article{1710814,
author = {Dr Jyothi Ramesh Pai},
title = {Revamping NEP Paradigms to Boost Multilingualism and Elevate English Language and Communication Skills in India},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {9},
number = {3},
pages = {1209-1213},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1710814.pdf},
abstract = {The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to promote an equitable society through universal access to quality education. A significant aspect of the policy is its emphasis on multilingualism, recognising the crucial role of language in enhancing critical thinking skills. This research paper explores the evolution of India's National Education Policies (NEPs), the shift from promoting regional and national languages in earlier policies to a more global, employability-driven focus in recent initiatives. This transition highlights the increasing importance of English language proficiency and effective communication as essential competencies for academic and professional success. Language instruction is evolving towards experiential learning, prioritising conversation and interactive engagement rather than merely emphasising literature, vocabulary, and grammar. The paper examines the integration of English language skills with skill development in the latest policy, which prepares students to navigate an increasingly interconnected and competitive job market. This holistic approach seeks to enhance both linguistic proficiency and critical thinking, ultimately contributing to a more equitable educational landscape in India},
keywords = {English, Communication Skills, Multilingualism, Employability, Language Policy, India},
month = {September},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I3-1710814-9508}
}