Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

India’s higher education system has long grappled with challenges such as low Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), faculty shortages, outdated curricula, and inadequate industry linkages.

• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to address these issues by introducing structural reforms to enhance accessibility, quality, and equity in higher education.

Body

Role of NEP 2020 in Ensuring Accessibility in Higher Education:

• Increasing Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and Inclusivity
  • NEP 2020 targets an increase in GER from 27.3% (AISHE 2023) to 50% by 2035, ensuring wider access to higher education.
  • Emphasizes gender parity and inclusion of marginalized groups through scholarships and financial aid for SC/ST, OBCs, and economically weaker sections (EWS).
  • Expands Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online education to cater to rural and working professionals.
• Multiple Entry-Exit System and Academic Flexibility
  • The introduction of multiple entry-exit options allows students to re-enter higher education without losing academic progress.
  • The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) enables students to store and transfer credits across institutions, ensuring continuity in learning.
  • These reforms prevent dropout wastage and make higher education more accessible to working professionals and disadvantaged students.
• Digital Learning and EdTech Integration
  • NEP 2020 promotes digital education through platforms like SWAYAM, DIKSHA, and PM eVidya, offering Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).
  • Encourages hybrid learning models by integrating online and offline teaching methods.
  • The Digital University concept aims to bridge the digital divide by providing high-quality education to remote areas.

Role of NEP 2020 in Ensuring Quality in Higher Education:

• Curriculum Reform and Multidisciplinary Approach
  • NEP 2020 replaces rigid discipline-based learning with a flexible, multidisciplinary approach.
  • Encourages four-year undergraduate programs with interdisciplinary specializations and research components.
  • Promotes Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) by integrating subjects like yoga, Ayurveda, and philosophy with modern disciplines.
• Strengthening Research and Innovation
  • Establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF) to improve India’s research output and increase R&D funding.
  • Encourages academia-industry collaboration for applied research and innovation.
  • India’s Global Innovation Index ranking (40^th in 2023) can improve with enhanced research focus.
• Improving Faculty Quality and Training
  • The Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT) enhances teacher training and pedagogy.
  • Addresses faculty shortages through reforms in recruitment and training, reducing vacancies in IITs, IIMs, and other institutions.
  • Promotes faculty exchange programs with international universities to enhance teaching quality.

Challenges in Implementing NEP 2020:

• Faculty Shortages: 40% vacancies in IITs and 31% in IIMs hinder teaching quality.
• Low GER & Inequality: Rural and marginalized communities still struggle with accessibility.
• Research Funding Gap: India's R&D spending at 0.7% of GDP falls short of the global 1.8% average.
• Digital Divide: Only 34% of schools have the internet, limiting online learning opportunities.
• Industry-Academia Disconnect: Outdated curricula contribute to a low employability rate of 54.81%.

Measures for Strengthening Higher Education System:

• Strengthening Research and Innovation
  • Increase R&D funding to 2% of GDP and encourage public-private partnerships for research development.
  • Establish Research & Innovation Clusters linking universities, industries, and government institutions.
• Enhancing Digital Infrastructure
  • Expand broadband connectivity and 5G-powered virtual learning to bridge the digital divide in rural areas.
  • Equip universities with AI-driven learning tools and digital classrooms.
• Improving Faculty Recruitment and Training
  • Offer competitive salaries and research grants to attract global faculty talent.
    Link SWAYAM with faculty development programs for continuous learning.
• Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration
  • Establish Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in universities for industry-relevant skill training.
  • Implement internships and apprenticeships as mandatory degree components.
• Expanding International Collaborations
  • Promote Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) globally through cultural education programs.
  • Encourage more Indian universities to set up global campuses, following IIT Madras' Zanzibar model.

Conclusion

The National Education Policy 2020 is a landmark reform aimed at making India’s higher education accessible, inclusive, and globally competitive. By introducing multidisciplinary learning, digital education, research funding, and regulatory simplifications, NEP 2020 lays the foundation for a future-ready education system.