Redefining Education: Understanding the NEP's Influence on College Students and their Response Regarding it

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 signifies an essential achievement in reshaping India's educational framework by prioritising inclusivity, skill enhancement, and competitiveness globally. The NEP, grounded in India's profound cultural and intellectual heritage, seeks to transform higher education via multidisciplinary learning, technological integration, and research-focused frameworks. It presents new approaches such as academic credit banks, various entry and exit pathways, and competency-based methodologies for developing critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability skills necessary for academic and professional achievement. College students shows a range of reactions to the NEP, from excitement for its multidisciplinary emphasis and opportunities for global mobility to concerns about confusing implementation tactics and budget limitations. Students predominantly support the NEP's focus on enhancing employability via skill development, however some voice concerns about its practical implementation, especially in relation to the needs of marginalised areas. The research involved inputs from 210 college students from several fields, examining their perspectives on curricular innovations, learning preferences, and teacher preparedness. Results indicate strong support for seminars and practical applications as preferred educational options. Despite the acknowledged revolutionary potential of the policy, difficulties including the digital divide, inadequacies in teacher training, and limitations to infrastructure remain. Effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders are essential for guaranteeing fair access to NEP benefits. By overcoming implementation challenges, the NEP can establish a basis for developing a globally competitive, inclusive, and skill-oriented education system, in accordance with India’s ambitions for economic and social development.