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Reimagining Indian Education for the 21st Century: A Critical Analysis of India’s National Education Policy 2020
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Education
DOI: 10.64388/IREV9I12-1719039
Abstract
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents one of the most ambitious education reforms undertaken in India, seeking to address systemic inefficiencies while aligning education with 21st-century socio-economic and technological demands. Building upon contemporary empirical and policy-oriented scholarship, this article critically re-examines NEP 2020 through an integrative framework that combines policy analysis with stakeholder-centric insights. Drawing from recent high-impact studies, particularly evidence on student, teacher, and expert perceptions, the paper evaluates the policy’s promises, structural innovations, and implementation pitfalls. The study argues that while NEP 2020 offers a transformative vision emphasizing flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, equity, and research orientation, its success depends largely on institutional readiness, teacher capacity building, financing, and federal coordination. By synthesizing policy provisions with contemporary empirical findings, the article contributes a nuanced, implementation-focused perspective.
Keywords
National Education Policy 2020, Education Reform, Stakeholder Perceptions, Higher Education Transformation, Policy Implementation, India
References
[1] Government of India. (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Ministry of Education. https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf
[2] Kulal, A., N., Abhishek, S. D., Bhat, D. C., & Girish, A. (2024). Evaluating the promise and pitfalls of India’s National Education Policy 2020: Insights from the perspectives of students, teachers, and experts. SAGE Open, 14(4), 1–18.
[3] Agarwal, P. (2021). Re-imagining India’s higher education system in the post-NEP 2020 era. University World News.
[4] Aithal, P. S., & Aithal, S. (2020). Analysis of the Indian National Education Policy 2020 towards achieving its objectives. International Journal of Management, Technology, and Social Sciences, 5(2), 19–41. https://doi.org/10.47992/IJMTS.2581.6012.0102
[5] Altbach, P. G., & de Wit, H. (2020). Post-pandemic outlook for higher education is bleakest for the poorest. International Higher Education, (102), 3–5.
[6] Altbach, P. G., Reisberg, L., & Rumbley, L. E. (2021). Trends in global higher education: Tracking an academic revolution. Brill.
[7] Bhattacharya, S., & Sharma, P. (2021). Teaching–learning reforms in Indian higher education under NEP 2020. Journal of Educational Planning and Administration, 35(3), 275–289.
[8] Kumar, R., & Sharma, M. (2022). Outcome-based education and skill development in Indian HEIs: A NEP 2020 perspective. Higher Education for the Future, 9(1), 45–60. https://doi.org/10.1177/23476311211056789
[9] Arun, K., et al. (2022). Higher education reforms and stakeholder readiness under NEP 2020. Journal of Education Policy Studies, 37(3), 245–260.
[10] Govinda, R. (2020). Indian education policy: Between aspiration and reality. Economic and Political Weekly, 55(34), 34–40.
[11] Kumar, K. (2020). Quality education for all: Reflections on NEP 2020. Economic and Political Weekly, 55(34), 10–13.
[12] Ministry of Education. (2021). Implementation plan for National Education Policy 2020. Government of India.
[13] National Council of Educational Research and Training. (2021). Curriculum framework and pedagogical reforms under NEP 2020. NCERT.
[14] Tilak, J. B. G. (2021). Education policy in India: Critical issues and perspectives. Social Change, 51(4), 540–554. https://doi.org/10.1177/00490857211043422
[15] UNESCO. (2015). Rethinking education: Towards a global common good? UNESCO Publishing.
[16] World Economic Forum. (2020). Schools of the future: Defining new models of education for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. World Economic Forum.
How to cite this paper
@article{1719039,
author = {Dr. Botta Ashok, Vonumu Preethi},
title = {Reimagining Indian Education for the 21st Century: A Critical Analysis of India’s National Education Policy 2020},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {12},
pages = {2048-2055},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719039.pdf},
abstract = {The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents one of the most ambitious education reforms undertaken in India, seeking to address systemic inefficiencies while aligning education with 21st-century socio-economic and technological demands. Building upon contemporary empirical and policy-oriented scholarship, this article critically re-examines NEP 2020 through an integrative framework that combines policy analysis with stakeholder-centric insights. Drawing from recent high-impact studies, particularly evidence on student, teacher, and expert perceptions, the paper evaluates the policy’s promises, structural innovations, and implementation pitfalls. The study argues that while NEP 2020 offers a transformative vision emphasizing flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, equity, and research orientation, its success depends largely on institutional readiness, teacher capacity building, financing, and federal coordination. By synthesizing policy provisions with contemporary empirical findings, the article contributes a nuanced, implementation-focused perspective.},
keywords = {National Education Policy 2020, Education Reform, Stakeholder Perceptions, Higher Education Transformation, Policy Implementation, India},
month = {June},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719039}
}