National Education Policy 2020 For Higher Education

The Indian higher education system is now being transformed by the National Education Policy 2020. This policy places a strong emphasis on encouraging interdisciplinary study, offering novel subjects, and giving students access to new opportunities and flexible course options.

It aspires to boost the higher education sector's gross enrollment ratio (GER), offer a variety of entry and exit points, and let students select the classes that best suit their interests and abilities.

The policy calls for the establishment of a National Research Foundation, a National Forum on Educational Technology, and more higher education institutions around the nation. The goal of the policy is to develop a comprehensive, adaptable education system that can meet the demands of the 21st century.

Highlights of NEP 2020 for Higher Education

NEP 2020 for UG Courses

The NEP states that undergraduate students will now be able to select from a variety of programme end points. For example, a student might choose to withdraw after the first year and receive a certificate.

If they drop out after the second year, they will have spent two years in school and earned an Advanced Diploma. A Bachelor's Degree will be awarded upon completion of the third year, and a Bachelor's of Research will be awarded upon completion of the fourth year.

Internationalisation

By establishing partnerships with foreign universities, luring in international students, and facilitating student and faculty exchanges, the NEP 2020 seeks to advance internationalisation.

In order to encourage educational exchanges between states, the strategy also urges the creation of a National Education Exchange Programme (NEEP).

Enhance GER To 50% By The Year 2035

The Gross Enrollment Ratio as of the year 2018 was 26.3%. NEP 2020 is planning to enhance the GER to 50% by the year 2035.

To make this plan a reality, around 3.5 crore seats, or even more, will be allocated to higher educational institutions.

Holistic & Multidisciplinary Education

To help students learn as per their will, the new policy has introduced a holistic & multidisciplinary undergraduate education approach. It allows students the flexibility to combine multi-disciplinary subjects with the integration of vocational courses.

UG programs can last either 3 or 4 years. The new element is that students will be given ‘multiple exit options’ and appropriate ‘certification’ will be given to them within their graduation tenure.

For instance, students will get certification after the completion of one year, an advanced diploma after the second year, Bachelors’ degree after the successful completion of 3 years, and a degree indicating research intelligence by the end of 4th year.

Autonomy and Accountability

To enhance the calibre and efficacy of higher education, the NEP 2020 suggests greater institutional autonomy and decentralisation of decision-making. In order to guarantee that institutions uphold quality standards, the strategy also underlines the significance of accountability, transparency, and regulatory systems.

Inclusivity and Equity

By addressing the needs of marginalised populations, including girls, low-income families, and students with disabilities, the policy places a strong emphasis on encouraging inclusivity and equity in education. Additionally, it aims to give kids from all socioeconomic levels equal opportunities.

Research and Innovation

The NEP 2020 encourages universities to prioritise research and increases investment in science and technology with the goal of making India a centre for innovation and research on a global scale.

The government is also taking steps towards the establishment of Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs), with globalised educational standards just like the IIMs and IITs. A National Research Foundation will also be created to foster research and development activities.

Curriculum Flexibility and Credit Transfer

The NEP 2020 recommends a flexible curriculum that allows students to choose from a range of courses and subjects to meet their individual interests and career goals.

The policy also proposes a credit-transfer system. A credit bank of academic progress will also be formed to keep track of the credits earned during the entire educational journey of students.

It enables students to shift between institutions without losing academic credit, thereby boosting mobility and promoting academic excellence. The credits obtained in a year will be transferred to the next level after the completion of successive academic years.

Dismantling Of The ‘UGC’ And ‘AICTE’

A new ruling body called the Higher Education Commission of India’ (HECI) will come into existence in order to ensure best practices in the educational sector, excluding the medical and legal field. HECI will have the right to penalise institutions who don’t adhere to quality education.

Skill Development and Vocational Education

In order to prepare students for the job market, the NEP 2020 acknowledges the value of vocational education and skill development. It suggests incorporating apprenticeships and work-integrated learning activities into regular schooling to assist students get the necessary skills.

Financial Support To Assist Students

The government will make efforts to ensure that students belonging to ST, SC, OBC, and SEDGs get scholarships as per their merit. The officials would encourage higher education institutions to offer scholarships to support talented students.

The role and activities of the National Scholarship Portal will be broadened to keep tabs on the performance of students who’ve received scholarships.

Encouragement To Use Indian Languages

To ensure the preservation and promotion of Indian languages, NEP has recommended setting up various bodies, such as –

• National Institution for Pali, Prakit, and Persian
• Institution of Translation and Interpretation (IITI)
• The HEIs are allowed to use the students' mother tongue/regional language, or local language to help them grasp the concept better.

Technology in Education

The NEP 2020 suggests the creation of an extensive digital infrastructure for education while acknowledging the value of technology in education. It encourages colleges to offer online and blended learning courses in order to reach more students and advance educational access.

The government will create an autonomous entity called the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), to ensure the appropriate integration of technology in education. Institutions will be able to empower their faculty as well as students by streamlining classroom processes through ICT-enablement.

Rationalized Education Architecture

The core structure of universities will be formed in a new manner.

As per the vision and mission of educational institutions, various categories of universities, such as teaching-intensive universities, research-intensive universities, and autonomous degree-granting colleges, will come into existence.

The college affiliation procedure will be phased out in 15 years, step-by-step and institutions will be granted autonomy.

Distance Learning/Open Learning

The government will take several measures to ensure the highest quality education by opening the doors of open learning facilities, such as –

• Online courses introduction
• Digital repositories
• Funds for research work
• Credit based education

Digitalization Of Teaching-Learning Process

No more traditional classrooms!

A dedicated team for the development of digital infrastructure, including e-content, digital libraries, etc., will be initiated to meet the needs of students and maximise learning outcomes.

Imparting Professional Education

Proactive steps to impart professional education will be taken.

Independent technical universities, agricultural universities, health science universities, and legal universities will head towards becoming multi-disciplinary institutions.

Being the oldest & largest edTech solution provider, MasterSoft Team is ensuring that every stakeholder understands how they can benefit from NEP 2020.