A Critical Study on the Holistic and Multidisciplinary Approach of National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) in India
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Abstract
The National Education Policy 2020 represents a transformative reform in the Indian education system, with its core emphasis on holistic and multidisciplinary learning. This policy envisions an educational framework that not only imparts academic knowledge but also nurtures emotional, social, ethical, and cognitive growth in learners. Rooted in India’s rich heritage while aligned with global educational practices, NEP 2020 emphasizes flexibility in curriculum design, integration across disciplines, and the development of critical 21st-century skills such as communication, creativity, and problem-solving. This critical study explores how NEP 2020 proposes to replace rote-based learning with conceptual understanding, and how it promotes collaboration between sciences, arts, and vocational subjects under one unified vision of education. The paper also examines the historical significance of multidisciplinary learning in India—from ancient institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila to the Gurukul system—and evaluates how NEP 2020 seeks to revive and modernize those ideals. By analyzing policy documents, scholarly articles, and expert commentaries, this research identifies the strengths, potential challenges, and long-term implications of NEP 2020. It also critically reviews how the holistic and multidisciplinary models aim to build self-reliant, well-rounded individuals who are not only employable but also ethical contributors to society and the global community.