The Hindu Editorial Analysis
29 May 2025
A case of practical, pragmatic and innovative education
(Source – The Hindu, National Edition – Page No. – 08)
Topic: GS 2: Education | Government Policies | Skill Development | Employment Generation | Innovation in Learning
Context
- The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a transformative national strategy aimed at revamping India’s education ecosystem.
- The editorial discusses how NEP 2020 provides a three-pronged approach: encouraging original research, boosting global competitiveness, and creating a multi-entry, multi-exit system to enhance employability and flexibility.
Introduction
Education isn’t just about degrees—it’s about direction.
India’s NEP 2020 envisions an education model that is practical, industry-aligned, and globally competitive, preparing students for an uncertain but opportunity-rich future.
Key Pillars of NEP 2020 Implementation
1. Employability Through Flexibility
- The four-year degree structure allows students to earn certificates or diplomas at each stage and re-enter as needed.
- Designed to prevent dropouts and allow mobility between education and work.
- Over 167 universities and 59 colleges have already adopted this model.
2. Industry-Academia Linkages
- Students are exposed to real-world work through internships and vocational training from undergraduate level.
- R&D Cells have been established in 242 universities, promoting applied innovation.
3. Multidisciplinary and Research-Driven Curriculum
- Academic Bank of Credit, SPARC, ANRF, and IMPRINT initiatives foster cross-domain learning and innovation.
- Students are encouraged to pursue joint degrees, online modules, or even start-up incubation within educational settings.
India’s Global Standing and Innovation Footprint
1. Rise in Global Rankings
- 163 Indian institutions now feature in Asia Rankings, and India’s Global Innovation Index rank rose from 76 to 40.
- QS Asia rankings show Indian research output growing by 158% between 2020 and 2023.
2. Participation in Global Innovation Ecosystem
- India’s institutions are increasingly contributing to global science through bilateral collaborations, particularly with UK, Germany, and France.
Sustainable Employment and Long-Term Impacts
1. Changing Nature of Jobs
- Youth employability rate improved from 33% in 2021-22 to 46.7% in 2023-24.
- Female youth employment rate also rose significantly during this period.
- Decline in casual labour, with growth in regular salaried jobs, indicates a structural shift.
2. Quality Over Quantity
- The NEP is designed to ensure not just any job, but better jobs, aligning education with 21st-century skill needs.
3. Reduced Gender Disparity
- NEP’s inclusive design (like online learning, flexibility) has improved participation among women and marginalized groups.
Conclusion
The NEP 2020 is not just a reform—it’s a reimagination.
By combining practical skills, research orientation, and equity-driven design, India is building a resilient, dynamic, and future-ready education ecosystem.
To truly deliver on its promise, implementation must remain inclusive, adaptive, and continuously evaluated to meet the evolving demands of learners and employers.