Multidisciplinary Education under the NEP 2020: A New Transformation in Higher Education

Description

Higher education across the world is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rapid technological change, shifting economic demands, and the increasing complexity of global challenges. In India, this transformation has taken a decisive direction through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisions a holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary approach to learning. This book, Multidisciplinary Education under the NEP 2020: A New Transformation in Higher Education, seeks to explore the philosophical foundations, structural reforms, practical implications, and future possibilities associated with this landmark policy.
For decades, higher education in India largely followed compartmentalized disciplinary structures, where students were expected to specialize narrowly within predefined academic boundaries. While this system produced competent professionals, it often limited creativity, adaptability, and cross-domain understanding. In contrast, contemporary problems-ranging from climate change and public health to artificial intelligence and social equity-demand integrated perspectives that draw upon multiple fields of knowledge. NEP 2020 responds to this need by promoting multidisciplinary universities, flexible curricula, and learner-centred pedagogies designed to cultivate well-rounded individuals capable of critical thinking and innovation.
This book has been written with the intention of providing a comprehensive yet accessible examination of multidisciplinary education as envisioned by NEP 2020. It traces the historical evolution of higher education in India, explains the policy’s guiding principles, and analyses its emphasis on academic flexibility, integration of liberal arts with professional education, and the role of digital technologies. Particular attention is given to institutional reforms, governance changes, skill development initiatives, and the strengthening of research culture. By presenting both opportunities and challenges, the book aims to offer a balanced perspective on the practical realities of implementing such large-scale reforms.
The content is designed to serve a wide audience, including policymakers, educators, administrators, researchers, and students. Teachers and institutional leaders may find insights useful for curriculum design and organizational transformation, while students can gain a clearer understanding of how the new system expands their academic choices and career possibilities. Researchers and scholars may also benefit from the analytical discussions and references that connect Indian reforms with global educational trends.
Multidisciplinary education is not merely an administrative restructuring of universities; it represents a shift in the philosophy of learning itself. It emphasizes intellectual curiosity, ethical awareness, creativity, and the capacity to collaborate across diverse fields. By encouraging students to explore subjects beyond their primary specialization, the new framework aims to nurture individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society while adapting to an unpredictable future.

About the Authors

Dr. Prahallad Khilla is an Assistant Professor of Odia in the P.G. Department of Language and Literature at Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha, India. He teaches Odia language and literature with special emphasis on folklore studies. His areas of academic specialization include folklore, modern poetry, and aesthetics. His research particularly explores the relationship between traditional folk culture and modern literary expressions in Odia literature. Through his teaching and scholarly activities, he contributes to the study, preservation, and critical interpretation of Odia folk traditions and literary heritage. Dr. Khilla has published 37 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and 7 book chapters in edited volumes. He has also authored nine books on Odia literature and folklore. His academic work reflects a sustained commitment to research, documentation, and the promotion of Odia language, literature, and indigenous cultural traditions.

Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Jaiswal completed his Bachelor’s degree in 2003 and Master’s degree in Political Science in 2006 from the University of Allahabad, securing First Division in both. In 2006, he qualified the UGC-NET examination in Political Science. He served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Ramswaroop Gram Udyog Postgraduate College, Pukhrayan, Kanpur Dehat, from 30 September 2010 to 17 July 2019, having been selected through the Higher Education Services Commission. Since 18 July 2019, he has been serving as a Professor in the Department of Political Science at Buddha Vidyapeeth P.G. College, Naugarh, Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh. He was awarded his Ph.D. degree in 2012 from Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur. He subsequently completed his Post-Doctoral Research under the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Fellowship from 2014 to 2016. He also successfully undertook a Minor Research Project at Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, during 2017–2018. Professor Jaiswal has published more than 40 research papers in reputed national and international journals.

Mohit Singh Parihar is a distinguished military veteran and seasoned corporate leader whose career spans the intersection of law, science, technology and strategic operations. A University Gold Medalist in Law, Mohit holds an expansive academic portfolio including an LL.M. in Corporate Laws, dual Master of Science degrees in Physics and Telecommunications, Post Graduation in Human Resources Management and Dual Graduations in Science and Law. Currently pursuing Ph.D., his intellectual curiosity is reflected in his authored works in international journals, where he explores complex legal and socio-economic frameworks. His foundational discipline was forged as a naval officer in the depths of the ocean, serving as a Submariner and Communications Specialist, a role that earned him the Navy Chief Commendation. This rare fusion of scientific rigor, legal acumen, and high-stakes leadership allows Mohit to bring a grounded yet visionary voice to his writing, offering a uniquely multi-dimensional perspective to a global audience.

Nitish Kumar Singh is an accomplished academic and educator specializing in English language teaching and pedagogy. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of English at St. Paul Teachers’ Training College, Samastipur, a role he has held since January 2024. With a strong academic foundation, he holds an M.Ed. from Hemchand Yadav University, Durg, along with a Master’s degree in English and a Post Graduate Diploma in English Translation. He brings over a decade of diverse teaching and academic leadership experience, having previously worked as a TGT (English) at Delhi Public School, Samastipur, and as Principal of Indo-American Pre-Mon School. His professional journey also includes roles as an academic in-charge and institutional manager, reflecting his administrative capabilities alongside teaching excellence. Nitish has contributed to academic discourse through publications in peer-reviewed journals, focusing on teaching methodologies and learning processes. His work reflects a deep commitment to quality education, student development, and innovative instructional practices.

Ratings & Reviews