NEP at Six: Curriculum Reforms Advance, But Regulator Overhaul and Education Funding Still Lag

New Delhi: Six years after the launch of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, India's flagship education reform programme has recorded notable progress in curriculum redesign and academic restructuring. However, several of its most ambitious institutional and financial commitments are yet to be fully realised.

Introduced as the country's first comprehensive education policy in more than three decades, the NEP sought to transform school and higher education through greater flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, skill-based education and improved access. While many states and educational institutions have adopted elements of the policy, implementation has been uneven across sectors.

Curriculum reforms gather pace

Among the most visible achievements has been the rollout of curriculum reforms aligned with the NEP's vision. School education has seen changes in teaching methodologies, competency-based learning and greater emphasis on experiential education. The gradual implementation of the 5+3+3+4 school structure has also begun in several states.

At the higher education level, universities have introduced multidisciplinary programmes, multiple entry and exit options, the Academic Bank of Credits and increased flexibility in course selection. Several institutions have also expanded vocational education and interdisciplinary learning.

Regulatory reforms remain incomplete

Despite progress in academics, major governance reforms proposed under the NEP remain pending. One of the policy's central promises was the establishment of a streamlined higher education regulatory framework to replace multiple overlapping bodies with a more integrated system.

While discussions and preparatory work have continued, the proposed regulatory architecture has not been fully implemented. Existing institutions continue to oversee different aspects of higher education, leaving one of the NEP's most significant structural reforms unfinished.

Funding goals yet to be achieved

Another major challenge has been education financing. The NEP recommended increasing public expenditure on education to 6% of GDP, a long-standing national objective. However, public spending has remained below that benchmark, with experts arguing that greater financial investment is essential for achieving the policy's ambitious goals.

Educationists have repeatedly pointed out that reforms involving teacher training, digital infrastructure, research, school modernisation and equitable access require sustained financial support from both the Centre and the states.

Uneven implementation across states

The pace of implementation has varied considerably across India. While some states have actively adopted NEP reforms, others have expressed reservations over aspects of the policy, including language provisions and governance changes. This has resulted in differing levels of progress in school and higher education systems.

Universities, too, have implemented reforms at different speeds depending on their administrative capacity, academic preparedness and availability of resources.

Experts call for sustained focus

Education experts say the NEP has succeeded in initiating important conversations around curriculum modernisation and flexible learning pathways. However, they caution that its long-term success will depend on completing pending regulatory reforms, strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring adequate funding.

As the policy enters its seventh year, stakeholders believe the focus is likely to shift from announcing reforms to ensuring consistent implementation and measurable outcomes. The coming years will determine whether the NEP can fully deliver on its promise of transforming India's education system.NEP at Six: Curriculum Advances, Regulator and Education Funding Reforms Still Pending