The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promises a sweeping transformation of India’s education system. Its success hinges not just on vision, but on action, investment, and a unified national commitment to reimagining education for the 21st century
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a landmark initiative to reshape India’s educational landscape, particularly by integrating vocational training into mainstream education. This integration is vital for enhancing skill development and employability, and it complements initiatives such as ‘Samagra Shiksha’ and the Skill India Mission.
The establishment of PM SHRI Schools embodies the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP), promoting a holistic educational experience nationwide. However, significant challenges stand in the way of realising this ambitious vision.
The Challenges in Implementation
The primary objective of NEP 2020 – to ensure that by 2025, at least 50 per cent of learners receive vocational exposure — faces multiple hurdles. As of 2023, states such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh have lagged significantly in implementation due to financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers. A staggering 75 per cent of technical institutions currently report a lack of alignment between the skills being taught and those sought by industry, highlighting a disconnect that must be addressed.
At the core of these challenges is the lack of a well-designed curriculum that is robust enough to meet the demands of the job market.
Despite a government push, only about 5 per cent of students in vocational education receive practical training in fields relevant to today’s job market. Many traditional academic institutions remain resistant to integrating vocational education into their curricula, fearing it may dilute academic rigour.
This results in inadequate exposure for students, many of whom graduate without the skills needed to thrive in a competitive labour market.
Furthermore, there is a notable deficiency in educators trained in emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation. Reports indicate that over 80 per cent of institutions lack faculty proficiency in these essential areas, compromising the quality of vocational training offered.
The Path Forward
The path forward requires actionable strategies to ensure that vocational education becomes a core component of the school curriculum. Making vocational education mandatory from Class 9 to Class 12, with students continuing in their chosen fields, is essential.
For instance, a student selecting ‘Electrician’ as a vocational subject should continue to engage with this subject through Class 10 and beyond, ensuring a deep, practical understanding.
To encourage participation, the government could implement a financial incentive model. Providing a monthly stipend of Rs 500 for students from economically weaker sections, along with a vocational training kit, could promote enrollment. An increased stipend of Rs 1,000 per month for students who continue in vocational training through their higher classes would further incentivise sustained commitment. Graduating students should receive certification after four years, bolstering their employability both domestically and internationally.
Bridging the Skill Gap
India, with over 260 million students in 1.5 million schools and more than 40 million in higher education, holds one of the largest student populations globally.
Yet, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) stands at approximately 32 per cent, compelling many to seek employment in the unorganised sector — a domain fraught with exploitation and underpayment.
Vocational education has the potential to effectively address this gap. By focusing on industry-relevant skills, these programs not only enhance employment opportunities but also foster the development of future entrepreneurs.
Countries like Germany and Switzerland exemplify successful dual vocational education systems, blending classroom learning with hands-on industry experience.
India could adopt similar frameworks, ensuring students gain practical exposure, which is increasingly necessary in an evolving job landscape.
Adapting to Emerging Technologies
As technological innovation accelerates, vocational programs must incorporate modern skills relating to AI, IoT, and cloud computing. The Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) initiative to introduce AI and IoT into the curriculum for Classes VI to X is a step in the right direction. With over 20,000 teachers trained in these areas, reaching approximately 350,000 students, substantial progress is evident.
However, a 2022 survey indicated that 31 per cent of teachers are still not proficient with digital tools, while a 2023 report found that 49 per cent feel unprepared to address the impact of AI on education. To tackle these challenges effectively, the public and private sectors must invest in comprehensive teacher training that equips educators for a changing marketplace.
Collaborations with ed-tech companies to bring AI-powered learning tools into classrooms can further support this transition, ensuring that students receive training that is both modern and relevant.
Addressing Regional DisparitiesAlthough the Union Education Minister has asserted that states are beginning to implement NEP 2020, the pace of implementation varies greatly.
Reports indicate that Haryana has set an ambitious target to fully implement the National Education Policy (NEP) by 2025, aiming to increase the gross enrollment ratio of girls in higher education from 32 per cent to over 50 per cent by 2030.
However, discrepancies across states — due to funding shortages, trained faculty shortages, and bureaucratic inertia — not only create inconsistencies but also significantly undermine the policy’s potential.
To ensure a level playing field, a centralised monitoring mechanism is essential to track progress and enforce uniform implementation across states.
Conclusion NEP 2020 presents a transformative opportunity for integrating vocational education into mainstream schooling, but its success hinges on strategic implementation, sufficient funding, infrastructure development, and robust teacher training.
As India aspires to become a $10 trillion economy, investing in a comprehensive vocational education system is not just an educational imperative — it’s a vital economic strategy.
By addressing the barriers to implementation, India can empower its youth with essential skills, fostering innovation and adaptability that contribute to national growth.
A well-implemented vocational skills education framework represents a win-win for both students and the government, laying the groundwork for a skilled and self-reliant workforce that is pivotal to India’s economic future.
(The writer is a Training Partner with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and a Network Member of India International Skill Centres, an initiative of the Government of India. Views are personal)
