Reimagining University Examinations Post-NEP 2020: A Mixed-Methods Study on Reform Implementation across Urban Madhya Pradesh

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions a transformation in India’s assessment architecture by shifting from rote-based testing to holistic, competency-based evaluations. However, translating this vision into university-level examination systems remains fraught with structural, administrative, and pedagogical challenges. This paper examines the state of examination reform implementation across select urban centers of Madhya Pradesh—namely Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Sagar and Gwalior—by deploying a mixed-methods approach. Drawing from survey data, institutional document analysis, and semi-structured interviews with examination controllers, the study uncovers a persistent gap between policy aspirations and ground realities. The findings suggest that while NEP 2020 has generated awareness and limited structural realignments, the legacy of centralized, summative exams persists. Recommendations are proposed for localized capacity building, digital infrastructure improvement, and stakeholder sensitization to facilitate meaningful reform.