Role of NEP 2020 in Management Education

Abstract

Purpose: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a major reform initiative aimed at transforming India’s higher education system to meet global standards and evolving economic demands. This study examines the implications of NEP 2020 for management education, with a specific focus on multidisciplinary learning, skill-based education, technological integration, and holistic student development. The paper critically evaluates how these reforms may reshape management curricula and contribute to the development of globally competent and socially responsible business leaders.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopts a mixed-method research design combining quantitative surveys and qualitative inquiry. Survey data were collected from management students, faculty members, and academic administrators to assess perceptions of readiness and early outcomes related to skills development, employability, and curriculum redesign under NEP 2020. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to explore stakeholder interpretations of NEP-driven reforms and the challenges associated with implementing multidisciplinary and experiential learning models. A descriptive–explanatory approach was employed to map institutional adoption patterns and implementation status.

Findings: The findings indicate a generally positive attitude among educators toward NEP reforms and a willingness to adapt to policy-driven changes. However, adoption patterns are uneven, with premier institutions progressing faster than resource-constrained colleges. Management programs are more likely to initiate NEP implementation through elective diversification and industry-linked projects, while comprehensive structural reforms remain gradual. The study also finds tangible progress toward NEP’s multilingual and inclusion objectives, suggesting increasing accessibility for non-English learners and demonstrating the feasibility of implementation in large and open universities.

Originality/Value: This study offers early empirical insights into NEP 2020’s implementation within management education—an area that remains underexplored in existing literature. By integrating perspectives from multiple stakeholders, the paper contributes to policy and academic discourse by highlighting both opportunities and practical constraints in operationalizing NEP reforms. The findings provide actionable implications for institutions and policymakers seeking to align management education with national reform objectives.

Paper Type: Theme Based Paper