BRIDGING TRADITION AND INNOVATION: EVOLUTION OF EDUCATIONAL POLICIES IN INDIA

Abstract

Education has always been a cornerstone of India’s socio-economic development, evolving under the influence of cultural traditions, colonial legacies, and contemporary global demands. National Educational Policies (NEPs) in India have played a pivotal role in shaping the structure, quality, and accessibility of education across different eras. From the early post-independence policies focusing on literacy and access, to the progressive frameworks of the 1986 and 1992 policies emphasizing inclusivity, vocational training, and modernization, Indian educational reforms have sought to balance tradition with innovation. The introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a significant paradigm shift, aiming to foster holistic development, multidisciplinary learning, digital integration, and global competitiveness while preserving India’s cultural ethos. This study critically examines the evolution of educational policies in India, highlighting their objectives, achievements, and challenges in the context of changing social, technological, and economic landscapes. By analyzing the trajectory of reforms, this paper underscores how policy interventions have attempted to bridge gaps in equity, quality, and employability, while paving the way for a more dynamic and future-ready education system