Authors : Joy Prakash Deb; Dr. Dori Lal

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yc3j52ww

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bdczumfj

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb738

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a transformative framework aimed at reshaping India's education system, yet its implementation and evolving trends require comprehensive scholarly examination. This systematic literature review identifies and synthesizes research on NEP 2020, focusing on five key dimensions: education trends and development, the impact of COVID-19, internationalization of higher education, digitalization in education, and social and health-related trends. We analyze the policy's trajectory by mapping its theoretical underpinnings, practical challenges, and emerging patterns across these domains. The methodology involves a rigorous selection process to identify relevant studies, followed by thematic analysis to discern dominant trends and gaps. Findings reveal that NEP 2020 has spurred significant discourse on equitable access and multidisciplinary learning, while the pandemic accelerated digital adoption, exposing infrastructural disparities. Internationalization efforts remain nascent, with debates on cultural integration and global competitiveness. Digitalization emerges as a dominant theme, though uneven implementation raises concerns about inclusivity. Social and health-related trends highlight the policy's emphasis on holistic development, yet empirical evidence on its effectiveness remains limited. The review concludes that while NEP 2020 presents a visionary roadmap, its success hinges on addressing systemic inequities and fostering stakeholder collaboration. This synthesis not only consolidates existing knowledge but also identifies critical areas for future research, offering insights for policymakers and educators navigating the policy's complexities.

Keywords : NEP 2020, COVID-19, Internationalization of Higher Education

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