National Education Policy-2020: Students Speak Out – An Insights and Analysis

Abstract The survey of one thousand and thirty-five (1035) students from higher education institutions of UT of Jammu and Kashmir was conducted to get feedback from students regarding performance of National educational Policy-2020 of India. The survey provides valuable insights into the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, revealing a complex landscape of student preferences and concerns. A majority of 75.4% students are satisfied with subject combinations, indicating support for multidisciplinary flexibility, while 65.4% believe subjects will enhance employability, aligning with NEP's skill focus. However, a majority (84%) support replacing value-added courses with competitive exam prep, underscoring the emphasis on job readiness. The survey also reveals a strong preference for tech-centric skills, with 60.4% opting for AI and data analysis, whereas 30.4% prefer creative fields like fashion and design. Furthermore, 62.3% find value-added courses beneficial, but 37.5% disagree, suggesting a mismatch between curriculum design and student needs. A significant minority of 24.6% express dissatisfaction with subject combinations, highlighting the need for greater customization. Notably, 87.3% prioritize degrees for job prospects, highlighting employability concerns. To succeed, NEP-2020 must balance competing demands, address implementation challenges, and prioritize student-centricity, ensuring hassle free subject change, subject swapping, inter university migration, maintenance of academic bank of credits, transfer of credits, in India's education system becomes more relevant, inclusive, and effective in preparing students for the future.