Abstract

The National Education Policy, 2020 (NEP 2020) is a comprehensive effort to align the Indian education system with the needs of the 21st century. This policy focuses on making education more employment-oriented and innovative while also emphasizing the holistic development of students. It aims to equip students with various skills through holistic education. Under the new 5+3+3+4 structure, early education emphasizes play-based and activity-based learning. Through ECCE, priority has been given to children’s mental and social development in their formative years. The provision of education in the mother tongue or regional language will enhance children’s understanding and learning abilities. In higher education, a multidisciplinary approach has been emphasized, allowing students to choose subjects according to their interests. The four-year undergraduate program includes special provisions to promote research and innovation. Skill development programs have been implemented to integrate vocational and technical education into the mainstream. By adopting digital education, NEP 2020 has proposed a strong framework for online and hybrid education, making education accessible in remote and underprivileged areas. The National Research Foundation (NRF) encourages research and innovation, positioning India as a global leader in the research domain.