Authors : Ram Niwas Jangir and Milan Chandel
Page Nos : 83-91
Description :
Higher education in India plays a pivotal role in national development, social mobility, and knowledge creation; however, the system continues to face multiple structural and functional challenges that affect its quality, accessibility, and global competitiveness. Persistent concerns such as inequitable access, regional and socio-economic disparities, rigid disciplinary boundaries, outdated curricula, faculty shortages, low research output, and weak industry–academia collaboration hinder the realization of its full potential. Despite these limitations, the evolving educational landscape presents significant opportunities for comprehensive reform and innovation. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 offers a transformative framework to restructure Indian higher education by promoting multidisciplinary institutions, flexible curricular structures with multiple entry and exit options, and a strong emphasis on skill development, experiential learning, and digital integration. The policy further prioritizes inclusive education, faculty capacity building, institutional autonomy, transparent governance, and the strengthening of research and innovation through initiatives such as the National Research Foundation. By addressing long-standing challenges while leveraging emerging opportunities, NEP 2020 aims to create a holistic, inclusive, and future-ready higher education ecosystem. The effective and timely implementation of these reforms is crucial for enhancing educational quality, improving employability, fostering innovation, and positioning India as a globally competitive knowledge hub in the twenty-first century.
