The NEP 2020 overhauls Indian higher education, emphasizing a multidisciplinary, flexible, and holistic approach to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) to 50% by 2035. Key changes include the introduction of four-year undergraduate programs with multiple entry/exit points, the establishment of an Academic Bank of Credit for credit portability, a shift towards integrated, multidisciplinary institutions, and the introduction of "light but tight" regulation. The policy also promotes vocational education, fosters research and innovation, aims to internationalize higher education, and uses technology to enhance learning.
Key Features of NEP 2020 in Higher Education
Holistic and Multidisciplinary Education:
The policy promotes a shift from single-stream to multidisciplinary institutions, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a well-rounded education with subjects like arts, humanities, science, and vocational skills.
Flexible Undergraduate Programs:
Multiple Entry/Exit Points: Students can enter and exit courses at various stages, earning certificates (after one year), advanced diplomas (after two years), or a bachelor's degree (after three). A fourth year is dedicated to research.
Academic Bank of Credit (ABC): A credit system to store, transfer, and count credits earned, promoting flexibility for students to choose various courses.
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) Increase:
The target is to raise the GER in higher education from approximately 26.3% to 50% by 2035, requiring a significant increase in available seats.
Integrated and Multidisciplinary Institutions:
The goal is to create large, multidisciplinary higher education institutions with 3,000 or more students by 2040.
Improved Regulation:
The policy aims for "light but tight" regulation by creating a single overarching regulator for higher education.
Focus on Research and Innovation:
It emphasizes investing in research and development, encouraging industry-academia collaborations to create a strong research ecosystem.
Internationalization:
Encourages partnerships with foreign universities, attracts international students, and promotes student and faculty exchanges to make Indian higher education globally aligned.
Integration of Vocational Education:
Vocational training becomes an integral part of higher education to enhance employability and equip students with practical skills.
Leveraging Technology
The policy encourages the use of technology for teaching and learning, including online courses, e-learning platforms, and open educational resources.