Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part F (2025)

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India aims to reform the higher-education system by promoting inclusivity, interdisciplinarity, and skill development. This empirical study investigates the impact of NEP 2020 on higher education students in Darjeeling, West Bengal, which has a unique sociocultural context. This study employs both analytical and empirical methodologies, utilizing primary data collected through structured questionnaires and secondary data from relevant sources. A sample of 65 undergraduate and postgraduate students from various government and private colleges in Darjeeling was selected using convenience sampling methods. This study examines the key variables associated with NEP 2020, including awareness, effectiveness, and overall impact on the higher education system. The findings revealed that 58.5% of the respondents were aware of the NEP 2020, and 63.1% agreed that it would have a positive and lasting impact on higher education. The policy was perceived as particularly effective in developing industry-relevant skills (63.1%), enhancing employability (61.5%), and improving their life skills (61.5%). The respondents also concurred that NEP 2020 would elevate educational standards (58.5%) and make global education more affordable (56.9%). Hypothesis testing confirmed the significant effect of NEP on higher education students, an association between awareness and perceived positive impact, and a correlation between gender and perceived impact of climate change. However, lower agreement rates on aspects such as extensive research (52.3%) and optimal use of technology (53.8%) suggest areas for improvement in policy implementation. The study concludes that while the NEP 2020 shows promise in transforming higher education in Darjeeling, its success is contingent upon effective implementation, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive strategies to address the identified challenges.