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RETHINKING EMPLOYABILITY: IS NEP 2020 RELEVANT FOR INDIA’S AIDRIVEN FUTURE?

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Authors : Mannat Siwach , Siddhant Pandey , Priyanshi Jha , Mishka Singh , Tarandeep Kaur , Rajnish Katare

Citation :

Mannat Siwach, Siddhant Pandey, Priyanshi Jha, Mishka Singh, Tarandeep Kaur, & Rajnish Katare. (2026). RETHINKING EMPLOYABILITY: IS NEP 2020 RELEVANT FOR INDIA’S AIDRIVEN FUTURE?. Institute For Policy Research and Governance, 1(20). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23314142


Abstract

Artificial Intelligence, as a disruptive force, is bringing unprecedented changes in the skills and competencies required for a graduate to become employable in today’s day and age; however, India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has come forward as a framework for strengthening higher education through the inclusion of multidisciplinary learning, skill development, practical exposure, and increasing alignment with industry requirements. This paper examines whether these strategies remain sufficiently responsive to an evolving AIdriven labour market. The study employs a mixed-method approach, combining a review of existing literature with primary questionnaire-based research. On the survey responses of students and professionals, the study applies descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, percentages, and mean scores to assess perceptions of implementation, AI readiness, and emerging skill requirements. Further, it uses a thematic analysis to compare the emerging patterns with themes identified in the literature. The findings indicate that although NEP 2020 provides a relevant framework for developing multidisciplinary and future-oriented competencies, gaps remain between its intended provisions and students’ practical exposure to AI-related skills, industry requirements, and employability preparation, suggesting that the policy is conceptually relevant but insufficiently aligned with emerging AI-era requirements. The study recommends increased emphasis on effective policy implementation and a shift in the core framework towards AI literacy, upskilling and greater integration of digital and data capabilities within higher education.

Keywords : National Education Policy 2020, Employability, AI Literacy, Multidisciplinary Learning, Higher Education, Future-ready Skills

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