The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduced significant reforms in higher education system. It aims to make education more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, and aligned with the needs of the 21st century, while promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
Key Features of NEP 2020 for Higher Education:
Multidisciplinary Education: NEP 2020 encourages universities and colleges to offer multidisciplinary programs. It emphasises flexible curricula with multiple entry and exit points, allowing students to design their own degree paths. This aims to break the rigid boundaries between streams like science, arts, and commerce.
Credit Bank System: The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) allows students to store and transfer credits earned from different institutions. This will make it easier for students to take breaks and return to their studies without losing their progress.
Increased Access and Equity: NEP 2020 focuses on improving access to higher education for disadvantaged communities. The policy stresses the importance of inclusion, especially for marginalised groups, and suggests setting up special education zones and scholarships to achieve this.
Research and Innovation: A National Research Foundation (NRF) will be established to foster research across all fields. The goal is to develop a strong culture of research and innovation in Indian universities and make India a global leader in knowledge creation.
Holistic and Multidimensional Learning: Emphasising a broader scope of education, the policy focuses on critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills alongside academic knowledge. The use of technology and online platforms will be promoted to achieve this.
Internationalisation: NEP encourages top foreign universities to set up campuses in India, making global quality education accessible domestically. It also aims to make Indian institutions more attractive to international students by improving standards and infrastructure.
Regulatory Framework: The policy proposes creating a single regulatory body, the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), which will replace existing bodies like the UGC and AICTE. This will streamline regulation and improve accountability and transparency in higher education institutions.
Focus on Technology: Digital learning and the use of technology in education will be expanded, particularly through initiatives like National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), to promote innovation, smart classrooms, and online courses.
Vocational Education: NEP 2020 integrates vocational education into higher education, ensuring students gain practical, employable skills alongside their academic education.
Flexibility in Learning: The policy advocates for flexible degree structures. For instance, a student can earn a certificate after one year, a diploma after two years, and a full degree after three or four years, based on their exit points.
These reforms aim to transform the higher education system by making it more student-centric, flexible, and globally competitive.
Dr. R.K. Behera
MGM College