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Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management

ISSN: 0975-2854 Frequency: Monthly Peer Review: Double-blind Published since: 2008 Language: English
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NEP 2020 in Practice : Perspectives on Implementation Challenges

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NEP 2020 in Practice : Perspectives on Implementation Challenges

Teena Bagga1,  Pankaj Kumar Gupta2,  Md Obaidul Ola3,  Priyanka Gilani4

1 Professor, Department of Management Studies, Faculty of Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi - 110 025

2 Dean & Professor, Department of Management Studies, Faculty of Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi - 110 025

3 Assistant Professor , Department of Management Studies, Faculty of Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi - 110 025

4 Editorial Director, Associated Management Consultants Private Limited, New Delhi

Volume 18
Issue 12
Pages 8–14
Year 2025
Received: July 1, 2025 Accepted: Nov. 20, 2025 Published: Dec. 15, 2025
Abstract

Objective : The purpose of this investigation was to identify issues faced by institutions during the implementation of the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP) and, more specifically, to list a variety of operational issues, such as governance issues, curriculum redesign issues, issues with the current assessment systems, and issues with resources. The study also addressed some larger-scale challenges facing higher education in India (such as the inequality currently existing in different regions of India, the digital divide that exists currently, and the equity and inclusion concerns).

Methodology : This investigation utilised a qualitative method. The investigation analyzed both the policy itself and the practical experiences of the implementers.

Findings : The findings of the investigation showed that there are many obstacles to implementing the NEP (such as resistance to change; very rigid departmental structures; minimal or no interaction between academia and industry; and poor alignment between the accreditation frameworks utilized to assess quality). Additionally, the study found that institutions experience challenges when it comes to revising curricula, schedules, and developing flexible entry/exit points. Finally, the study identified some universal problems that may hinder an institution’s ability to achieve the transformative vision of the NEP (such as inequity; mental health issues experienced by students and staff; and lack of adequate infrastructure).

Originality : The original contribution of this study is represented by the development of a single framework that allowed us to examine the operational, cultural, and systemic challenges that universities face when they implement the NEP. Additionally, the study stressed upon the importance of the commitment required from professors as well as the leadership and the emotional connection as key factors to sustain the reform process, thus providing a holistic approach to apply the NEP and to go beyond the mere technical application of the policy.

Keywords NEP 2020 policy implementation higher education reforms institutional change governance assessment and quality assurance
How to Cite

Teena Bagga, Pankaj Kumar Gupta, Md Obaidul Ola, Priyanka Gilani (2025). NEP 2020 in Practice : Perspectives on Implementation Challenges. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 18(12), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i12/175030

References
  1. Ministry of Human Resource Development. (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Government of India. https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English.pdf
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