Role and Importance of Revised National Education Policy (NEP) 2024 in Transforming Higher Education in India

The New Education Policy 2024 (NEP 2024) transforms India's education system to fulfil 21st-century needs. Based on NEP 2020, the amended policy emphasises diversity, flexibility, and skill-oriented learning. Using technology, multilingualism, critical thinking, and creativity, it redefines school and higher education. For a fast-changing global workforce, artificial intelligence, digital learning, and vocational training are crucial. Geographic, gender, and socioeconomic inequities are addressed in the policy to promote accessibility and equality. Teacher training, ongoing professional development, and creative pedagogy demonstrate its dedication to outstanding teaching. Competency-based evaluations replace rote learning with practical knowledge, according to NEP 2024. Multidisciplinary higher education, worldwide cooperation, and a strong research environment are its goals. However, budgetary restrictions and urban-rural differences make policy implementation difficult. Despite these challenges, NEP 2024 will transform Indian education and promote holistic growth. This chapter examines the policy's main characteristics, problems, and consequences to create a future-ready education system.