A study on the impact of interdisciplinary education on student Achievement: An examination of NEP 2020's implementation in higher education institutions

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a transformative shift in India’s educational framework, particularly in higher education, where it emphasizes the integration of interdisciplinary learning. Interdisciplinary education-an approach that merges insights from multiple disciplines to solve complex, real-world problems-has been recognized for enhancing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities among students. This study investigates the impact of interdisciplinary education on student achievement within the context of NEP 2020’s implementation in Indian higher education institutions (HEIs). Employing a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach, data were collected from 100 students enrolled in interdisciplinary courses through a structured online questionnaire. The study explores students’ perceptions of how interdisciplinary education influences academic performance, critical thinking, and career preparedness, while also assessing their awareness of NEP 2020 and its role in enhancing educational quality. The findings reveal a positive correlation between interdisciplinary learning and improved academic performance, critical thinking, and readiness for the workforce. However, the study also identifies key challenges, including limited resources, inadequate faculty training, and time management constraints, which hinder the effective implementation of interdisciplinary approaches. Overall, the research underscores the potential of NEP 2020 to reshape higher education in India by fostering a more holistic and integrative academic environment. Addressing the highlighted challenges will be essential for realizing the policy’s full impact on student outcomes and institutional growth.