Five Years of NEP 2020: Transforming Higher and Technical Education in India

Five Years of NEP 2020: Transforming Higher and Technical Education in India

Five Years of NEP 2020: Transforming Higher and Technical Education in India


Introduction

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, launched on July 29, 2020, marks a pivotal reform in India’s education system, aiming to create a holistic, inclusive, and future-ready framework. As we celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2025, NEP 2020 has significantly reshaped higher and technical education, aligning with the ambitious target of achieving a 50% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) by 2035. This article explores progress, evaluates key initiatives, and outlines the steps needed to meet this goal, drawing insights from our ongoing analysis of educational reforms at Education for All in India.

Progress in Implementing NEP 2020 in Higher and Technical Education

NEP 2020 has catalysed a multidimensional transformation in India’s higher and technical education landscape. The policy has laid a strong foundation for a knowledge-driven economy by emphasizing multidisciplinary learning, inclusivity, and innovation. Below is a summary of key achievements over the past five years:

Area of Reform

 Key Initiatives

Impact
Multidisciplinary Education
  • Introduction of minor degrees in engineering programs by AICTE, combining technical disciplines with humanities, management, and emerging technologies.
  • Multiple Entry and Exit System supported by the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).
  • Integrated research modules and minor specializations in IITs and NITs.
 Enhanced flexibility enables students to pursue diverse academic paths and fosters lifelong learning.
Inclusivity and Equity
  • AICTE schemes: SAKSHAM (differently-abled students), PRAGATI (girls in technical education), SARASWATI (BBA/BCA girls), and YASHASWI.
  • Scholarships and infrastructure improvements in rural and tribal areas.
 Increased GER from 26.3% in 2019 to ~30% in 2025, with improved access for marginalized communities.
Curriculum Modernization
  • Revamped technical curricula with focus on AI, sustainability, ethics, and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).
  • Integrate IKS modules (Ayurveda, Vastu, ancient water systems) via AICTE’s IKS Cells and Anuvadini tool.
 Curricula aligned with industry needs and cultural heritage, enhancing global relevance.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Establishment of 400+ IDEA Labs for hands-on prototyping.
  • KAPILA (IPR awareness), Smart India Hackathon, and Productization Scheme.
 Fostered a culture of innovation, with increased patent filings and start-up activity.
Faculty and Research
  • Faculty training programs and research incentives by AICTE.
  • Industry-academia collaborations for applied research.
 Higher research output and alignment with industry demands.

For a deeper dive into these initiatives, explore our detailed analysis at NEP 2020 Progress.

Review of “Five Years of NEP 2020: A Multidimensional Shift in Indian Education”

This article, published by Prof. T.G. Sitharam in The Economic Times on July 29, 2025, highlights AICTE’s pivotal role in implementing NEP 2020 in technical education. It underscores multidisciplinary education, inclusivity schemes, and innovation-driven initiatives like IDEA Labs and KAPILA, portraying NEP as a “civilizational renaissance.” The article’s strength lies in its comprehensive overview of AICTE’s efforts and the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems. However, it lacks quantitative data on GER progress and specific implementation challenges, such as funding or faculty shortages.

What Remains to Be Done to Achieve 50% GER by 2035

While NEP 2020 has made significant strides, achieving a 50% GER by 2035 requires addressing key challenges:

  • Infrastructure Expansion: Establish more higher education institutions (HEIs) in rural areas and invest in digital infrastructure for e-learning.
  • Faculty Development: Address faculty shortages through recruitment and training in emerging fields like AI and sustainability.
  • Financial Support: Scale up scholarships and public-private partnerships to ensure affordability.
  • Industry-Academia Collaboration: Strengthen ties to align curricula with industry needs, promoting internships and research projects.
  • Quality Assurance: Enforce accreditation frameworks like the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) for global standards.
  • Regional Disparities: Target low-GER states (e.g., Bihar, Uttar Pradesh) with localized curricula and multilingual education.
  • Global Competitiveness: Promote international collaborations, student exchanges, and dual-degree programs.
  • Monitoring: Implement a centralized dashboard for tracking NEP metrics, such as GER growth and patent filings.

Explore our roadmap for achieving 50% GER at the GER 2035 Strategy.

Concluding Observations

The first five years of NEP 2020 have transformed India’s higher and technical education, fostering inclusivity, innovation, and cultural integration. AICTE’s initiatives have created a robust ecosystem, but achieving a 50% GER by 2035 demands accelerated infrastructure, faculty development, and global outreach efforts. NEP 2020 is a blueprint for empowering India’s youth to lead in a knowledge-driven world, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. As we continue to monitor progress, visit Education for All in India for updates and insights.

Suggested Readings

  1. National Education Policy 2020 Document
    Source: Ministry of Education, Government of India
    Link: NEP 2020 Document
    Description: The official NEP 2020 document outlining the policy’s vision, objectives, and implementation strategies.
  2. “NEP 2020: Implementation Challenges and Opportunities”
    Source: Journal of Higher Education, UGC
    Description: An academic analysis of NEP’s implementation in higher education, focusing on challenges like funding and faculty shortages.
  3. “Indian Knowledge Systems in Technical Education”
    Source: AICTE Publications
    Description: A detailed resource on integrating IKS into technical curricula, with case studies and best practices.
  4. “Higher Education in India: Vision 2035”
    Source: NITI Aayog
    Link: NITI Aayog
    Description: A policy paper discussing strategies to achieve 50% GER, including infrastructure and inclusivity measures.
  5. “Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Indian Universities”
    Source: Economic and Political Weekly
    Description: An article exploring the role of initiatives like IDEA Labs and Smart India Hackathon in fostering innovation.

Published on Education for All in India | © 2025