Education: India, with the largest higher education system in the world, is set for a transformative journey under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
One of the most ambitious goals of this policy is to achieve a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2035.
This means bringing half of the eligible young population into colleges and universities, a step that could significantly reshape the educational and socio-economic landscape of the country.
This ambitious target is not just about increasing the number of students but also about ensuring that they receive quality education, enabling them to become skilled, confident, and future-ready individuals.
If this goal is achieved, the impact will be immense. It will provide opportunities for millions of young people, particularly those from rural areas, lower-income groups, and marginalized communities, who often face barriers to accessing higher education.
By opening doors to these underserved populations, NEP 2020 aims to create an inclusive and diverse academic environment.
Students from different backgrounds will come together to learn, exchange ideas, and grow, enriching the overall educational experience. Furthermore, a higher GER will unlock the potential of India’s massive youth population, helping them gain skills needed for emerging industries and ensuring that India remains competitive on the global stage.
Reaching such a high GER requires not only expanding the number of institutions but also maintaining and improving the quality of education they provide. The National Education Policy 2020 addresses this challenge through the creation of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), a unified regulatory body that will replace existing institutions like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
HECI is designed to streamline governance, reduce bureaucracy, and ensure effective oversight. It will function through four distinct verticals, each focusing on a specific aspect of higher education.
The first vertical, the National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC), will act as the primary regulator, ensuring compliance with academic and administrative standards in a transparent and efficient manner. The second, the National Accreditation Council (NAC), will handle accreditation processes, evaluating institutions based on parameters like teaching quality, research output, and infrastructure.
This will help colleges and universities identify areas for improvement and maintain high educational standards. The third vertical, the Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC), will oversee the allocation of funds, ensuring that financial resources are distributed fairly and based on merit and performance. Finally, the General Education Council (GEC) will define learning outcomes for higher education programs, promoting multidisciplinary education and aligning academic offerings with the needs of industries and the global economy.
This structured approach ensures that quality is not compromised as the system grows to accommodate more students. NEP 2020 also emphasizes flexible, student-centric learning. Students will have the freedom to explore diverse fields, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Practical learning experiences such as internships, research projects, and community engagement are prioritized, ensuring that students graduate with real-world skills and are ready to contribute to society and the workforce.
Technology plays a vital role in achieving both the GER target and maintaining quality education. Online platforms, virtual labs, and digital tools are making education accessible to students in remote areas, bridging the urban-rural divide. NEP 2020 encourages the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics into the curriculum. This not only makes education more relevant to modern industries but also ensures that students are equipped with the skills needed to navigate a rapidly evolving world.
Achieving a 50% GER will have positive ripple effects beyond the education system. A more educated population contributes to economic growth, innovation, and social equity. Women and marginalized communities will especially benefit, gaining opportunities for empowerment and progress. However, this transformation will not be without challenges.
Issues such as infrastructure shortages, faculty recruitment, and funding constraints need to be addressed through collaboration between the government, institutions, and industries. The establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF), as proposed in NEP 2020, will further encourage innovation and research, ensuring that India becomes a leader in areas like science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
NEP 2020’s goal of achieving a 50% GER in higher education is a bold and visionary step that promises to transform India’s education system. By combining expansion with a strong focus on quality, supported by mechanisms like HECI, the policy lays the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education system. It is not merely a reform but a promise of empowerment and progress, positioning India as a global leader in higher education and unlocking the potential of its vast and diverse population.
– Rajgopal Choudhary
Email- iamraj2101@gmail.com
SOE, Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University, Wardha
