A Critical Review of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
Transforming India’s Education System towards Quality,
Equity, and Skill Development
Author: Dr. Devendra Verma (Academic Head S.S.DEV PUBLIC SCHOOL) Email: d.vermanov95@gmail.com
Paper ID:JCRSIVOL1001 (Volume 1 Issue 1 June -July 2026)
Citation: Verma, Dr.Devendra (2026). A Critical Review of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Transforming India’s Education System towards Quality, Equity, and Skill Development. Journal of Classroom Research and School Innovation (JCRSI), 1(1), 1–10.
https://jcrsiindia.com/wpcontent/uploads/2026/08/JCRSIVOL1OO1.pdf
Abstract
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks one of the most significant reforms in the Indian education
system since the 1986 National Policy on Education. Developed to address the changing educational,
technological, and socio-economic needs of the twenty-first century, NEP 2020 seeks to establish an education
system that is learner-centered, multidisciplinary, skill-oriented, flexible, and globally competitive. The policy
introduces structural reforms across school and higher education through the 5+3+3+4 curricular framework,
competency-based learning, vocational education, digital integration, multilingual education, and continuous
professional development of teachers. It also emphasizes inclusion, equity, research, innovation, and lifelong
learning.
This review paper critically examines the major provisions, achievements, implementation strategies, and
challenges associated with NEP 2020. The study adopts a systematic review methodology by synthesizing findings
from peer-reviewed research articles, government reports, and policy documents published between 2020 and
2026. The review reveals that although NEP 2020 provides a comprehensive roadmap for educational trained
teachers, digital disparities, financial constraints, and uneven policy execution across Indian states. Recent
systematic reviews similarly conclude that the policy’s vision is widely supported, but successful implementation
depends on improved funding, faculty development, digital infrastructure, and stronger governance.
Keywords: National Education Policy 2020, Educational Reform, Skill Development, Higher Education, School
Education, Competency-Based Learning, Digital Education, Multidisciplinary Education