The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) represents a paradigm shift in India’s higher education system. It breaks traditional boundaries by allowing interdisciplinary study, enabling students to combine fields like MBA and fine arts, or engineering and music. This visionary policy emphasizes flexibility, inclusivity, skill development, and technology integration to equip students with the tools needed for the modern world.

What is NEP 2020?

NEP 2020 is an educational reform initiative by the Government of India. The major goal of the NEP 2020 is to equip students with not just knowledge but also skills that will make them more employable. NEP 2020 also focuses on increasing the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education. In 2019-20, the GER in higher education in India was at 27%. The target as per NEP 2020 is to increase the GER by 50% by 2035. This target is expected to be achieved with a more holistic, inclusive and flexible system of learning that NEP aims to introduce in the educational landscape of India.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Major emphasis of NEP is on multidisciplinary approach. Students of management can now study IT subjects as their minor specialization or students of media can study Yoga or Cyber Security as their minor subjects. The idea behind this multidisciplinary approach is to nurture creativity and encourage critical thinking beyond traditional boundaries. Students from different fields can now collaborate with each other for projects or assignments. For example, students of sociology, public health, economics can collaborate and work on a project related to climate change. This blend of information would lead to comprehensive innovative ideas and solutions.

Flexible Learning

NEP 2020 also introduces flexible learning pathways. This allows students multiple entries and exits during the tenure of their graduation or post-graduation program.

For example, a UG student can complete 2 years of the program and then choose to take a break for a great job opportunity. As per the new provisions introduced by NEP, the student can return anytime later to complete the remaining 2 years of his/her under-graduation program.

There’s also the introduction of Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) which acts as a digital repository of credits. Students can store their credits earned during their academic journey under this system. If they decide to make an exit from the program after completing a specific period, the credits will be retained by them. And if and when they decide to return to studies after a break, they can start off from where they left with the retained credits.

ABC also facilitates transfer of these credits between different institutions, which means students can now switch from one institution or university to another one without losing their earned credits. ABC also aligns with the International Credit System. This helps students to carry forward their earned credits to foreign universities abroad and allows students to tailor their degree programs to fit their own requirements. This flexibility will help students discover their true potential.

Vocational Training and Skill Development

As per National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), vocational training of students increases the rate of their employment by 50% to 70% post completion of the program, a much higher percentage as compared to the employment rate after completion of traditional programs.

Industrial collaborations for these vocational programs also contribute to the employability of the skilled workforce. As per National Employability Report (2019), more than 55% graduates with vocational degrees or training with an industrial collaboration find employment within 6 months post the completion of the course.

In India only 5% of the total number of students between the ages of 19 to 24 receive any kind of vocational training or education. This rate is much higher in developed nations. Germany has more than 75% of their students receiving vocational education.

In order to address this skill gap, the Medhavi Skills University (MSU) is established with the objective to introduce skill integrated higher education in collaboration with industrial partners to support the youth across India for better employment. It is India's first Skills University to offer industry immersive degree programs within the holistic development framework of NEP 2020.

Now a student who loves crafting and wants to start his/her own business can access vocational degree programs under the WISE initiative of MSU. These programs are curated in collaboration with industrial partners and provide students with hands-on training at the industrial facilities. By the time the students graduate with a vocational degree, they would be ready to launch their own venture or join a job of their own choice.

Focus on Holistic Development

NEP 2020 focuses on shaping well rounded individuals. It encourages holistic development, encouraging physical fitness, mental health and creative pursuits.

For example, now a student can choose to take fine arts as a major but also choose to go for sports as a minor subject. This gives students the opportunity to express themselves. It can also boost their confidence and overall well-being.

Technology in Education

Technology plays a vital role in NEP 2020. It aims to integrate technology into the education system. Online classes, digital resources, blended learning approaches and smart classrooms are now part of the educational landscape.

Students can learn best through videos and interactive content now. With more technological resources available, they can access a wealth of information. This makes learning more engaging and enjoyable.

Also, NEP 2020 majorly focuses on bridging the digital divide existing in the country. Through initiatives like SWAYAM, DIKSHA, NEP 2020 aims to increase E-Learning opportunities and create more digital content libraries.

Inclusive Education

Inclusivity is another important aspect of NEP 2020. The policy aims to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has access to quality education.

For example, students with hearing impairment who face challenges to understand concepts in traditional classrooms will find it easy to learn and implement them now under the new format of teaching under NEP 2020.

Now there will be more resources and support systems for students with disabilities. This means more accessible classrooms and tailored learning materials for everyone.

A quick look at how the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) has changed the higher educational landscape in India:

NEP 2020 brings on the table something for every stakeholder within the education domain. It provides flexibility for students, more autonomy for professors and universities, bridging the gap between academia and industry. Here’s a snapshot of who gains what from the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020):

Education for working professionals under NEP 2020

NEP 2020 encourages continuous learning and provides opportunities to working professionals to upskill or reskill themselves through flexible short term courses, diplomas as well as degree programs that they can pursue without any career break. Through collaborations between universities and industries, these programs are more relevant for career growth. 

One such program is the Accelerated Skill MBA (A-MBA) under the Centre for Reskilling, Upskilling, & Extension (CRUX) of the Medhavi Skills University. This program is designed as per the guidelines of NEP 2020. It has a futuristic curriculum combining the best features of top online MBA programs, traditional MBA programs and executive MBA programs.

It also takes work experience into consideration and converts it into credits through assessments. This allows professionals looking for top online MBA programs or executive MBA programs to complete their MBA within 15 months.

It is a UGC recognized work integrated, regular, full-time and fast-track MBA for working professionals which is equivalent to any other 2-year MBA program in India offering two Government of India recognized skill certificates.

The Road Ahead

So, how will the NEP 2020 impact higher education in the near future? While NEP 2020 brings many exciting opportunities, challenges remain. Implementing such a comprehensive policy in a vast country like India requires time and effort. Schools, colleges and universities need to adapt quickly.

However, the policy offers a promising vision. It encourages creativity, flexibility, inclusivity and skill-development oriented education.

The NEP 2020 opens doors for students to explore their passions and develop skills for the future.

It represents a shift in how we think about education. It’s no longer just about degrees; it’s about creating lifelong learners.