On August 5, 2025, Swarrnim Startup & Innovation University marked the fifth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with an engaging essay writing competition. This event was hosted by the School of Management, Commerce, and Liberal Arts and attracted participation from 28 enthusiastic students. The competition aimed to inspire students to delve deeper into the vision and key principles of the NEP, encouraging critical thought about the future of education in India.
The event was supervised by notable faculty members, including Dr. Kavita Kshatriya, Dean; Dr. Sourbhi Chaturvedi, Director; Dr. Bharati Vidhani, Head of Department; and Dr. Shashikant Bhagat, also a Head of Department. The coordination was managed by Dr. Anil Borkar and Mr. Sanjay Thakor, who are Assistant Professors at the university. This initiative provided students with a valuable platform to express their opinions and suggestions regarding educational reforms.
Three winners were announced at the end of the competition. Nayi Rutvik D secured the first prize, with Roshni Gajjar as the runner-up, and Naresh Jangid taking the second runner-up position. The competition was not just about winning; it was an opportunity for students to engage with the NEP’s objectives and think critically about its impact on the educational landscape.
The NEP 2020 was launched on July 29, 2020, replacing the previous policy from 1986. It aimed to transform India’s education system from early childhood education to higher education. The policy focuses on making education more experiential, integrated, multidisciplinary, and holistic. It also aims to increase public investment in education, targeting 6% of GDP.
Key achievements of the NEP over the past five years include initiatives for foundational literacy and numeracy, enhanced vocational education, and the introduction of a new 5+3+3+4 educational structure. These reforms are designed to better align education with the needs of the economy and job market.
The NEP recognizes the importance of early childhood education and has launched initiatives like NIPUN Bharat, ensuring that every child can read and perform basic math by the end of grade 3. This shift towards foundational skills reflects a broader understanding of child development.
Moreover, the NEP has introduced various National Curriculum Frameworks (NCFs) that guide educational practices across different stages. This includes frameworks for early childhood education, school education, and teacher education, which are crucial for improving educational outcomes.
In addition to improving basic education, the NEP promotes vocational training starting from grade 6, aiming to reduce the stigma around vocational careers. This is part of a larger goal to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2035. The integration of vocational education into the curriculum is expected to enhance employability and prepare students for various career paths.
The NEP also supports the idea of a multidisciplinary approach to education, allowing students to explore subjects across different fields. This flexibility is essential in today’s fast-changing job market, where diverse skills are increasingly valuable.
As the university celebrated this significant milestone, the essay competition served as a reminder of the critical role of youth in shaping the future of education in India. It fostered discussions about how the NEP can be effectively implemented to achieve its transformative goals. Students were encouraged to think critically about the policy and propose innovative ideas for its execution.
This event highlighted the importance of engaging with educational reforms and the need for continuous dialogue among students, educators, and policymakers. As India moves forward, the NEP stands as a vital framework for developing a robust and inclusive educational system that meets the needs of all citizens.
In conclusion, the fifth anniversary of the NEP 2020 at Swarrnim Startup & Innovation University was not only a celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead. It showcased the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking among its students, preparing them to be active contributors to the future of Indian education.