Strengthening Employability And Human Development Through NEP 2020 in Management Studies

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a transformative shift in Indian management education, emphasizing multidisciplinary learning, digital integration, industry collaboration, and competency-based curricula. The objective of the study is to scrutinize the implications of NEP 2020 on the design of management courses, and to identifying key Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) to provide strategic recommendations for effective implementation. Methodologically, the study employs a qualitative research approach, using systematic literature review and PRISMA-driven data analysis to evaluate the execution of policy across diverse business institutions. The findings highlight that NEP 2020 strengthens management education through flexibility in learning pathways, industry-academia partnerships, and digital pedagogies. Conversely, institutional resistance, regulatory uncertainty, faculty preparedness, and disparities in technological infrastructure pose significant challenges. The policy also presents opportunities for global integration, startup incubation, and employer-driven curriculum innovations, yet it faces threats such as employer skepticism toward skill-based credentials, uneven policy adoption, and long-term regulatory inconsistencies. To ensure effective implementation, this study recommends structured faculty development programs, investments in digital education infrastructure, increased corporate-academic engagement, and streamlined accreditation frameworks. Notably, raising employer awareness of competency-based education models is cornerstone for enhancing industry acceptance. If these challenges are systematically addressed, India can emerge as a global leader in management education, producing future-ready business graduates equipped with 21st-century competencies. NEP 2020 thus holds immense potential for redefining business education, contingent upon coordinated efforts by policymakers, academic leaders, and industry stakeholders.