National Education Policy 2020: Prospects Challenges and Pathways to Implementation

Abstract

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a landmark reform in the Indian education system, aiming to transform the existing framework to meet the needs of the 21st century. It envisions a holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary approach that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and ethical values among learners. The policy emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy, early childhood care, vocational education, integration of technology, and the promotion of Indian languages alongside global competencies. At the higher education level, NEP 2020 seeks to restructure institutions into multidisciplinary hubs, enhance research and innovation, and ensure equitable access for all sections of society. While the policy has far-reaching implications in redefining curricula, pedagogy, assessment, and governance, its implementation poses significant challenges, including infrastructural gaps, teacher training, financial constraints, and coordination between central and state governments. This paper discusses the implications of NEP 2020 on different levels of education and critically examines the strategies, opportunities, and hurdles in its effective implementation.