Implementation Challenges of NEP 2020 in Indian Higher Education: A Critical Analysis of Academic Quality, Student Enrolment and Faculty Workload

Abstract: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a landmark educational reform that aims to improve academic quality through multidisciplinary education, flexibility, research, innovation, digital learning, and skill-based education. Although the policy presents significant opportunities for transforming higher education, its implementation has created several practical challenges in higher education institutions, particularly aided colleges. This paper critically analyses the impact of NEP 2020 on student enrolment, faculty workload, curriculum overload, teacher surplus, skill-based education, and the rapid expansion of private colleges. The study concludes that academic quality can be achieved only through effective implementation, institutional accountability, and quality-oriented policy decisions rather than merely increasing the number of institutions.