Grant Thornton Bharat, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), unveiled a new knowledge report titled “Continuous Improvement Journey of Higher Education Institutions: Approaches and Practices Shaping the Future of Learning” at the ISB Mohali Campus. The report explores how the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is reshaping India's higher education system, emphasizing outcome-based, technology-driven, and learner-centric models to boost access, quality, and employability.
Key Highlights:
- Ambition for Scale: India aims for a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2035, requiring 86.11 million new enrolments—an 85% increase from current levels. This demands a 5.3% compounded annual growth rate in capacity, fueled by systemic innovations, digital tools, and investments in infrastructure and faculty development.
- Research Basis: Insights draw from three roundtables with over 10 northern region universities (e.g., IIT Mandi, BITS Pilani, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Lovely Professional University), plus secondary analysis, capturing leaders' real-world experiences in navigating NEP-driven changes.
Quote from Expert:
Ashok Varma, Partner and Education & Skill Development Expert at Grant Thornton Bharat, stated:
“India’s higher education ecosystem is entering a defining decade. The National Education Policy 2020 has set the course for transformation, but its success will depend on how quickly institutions adapt—by embedding innovation, agility, and human-centricity into their DNA. Future-ready universities will be those that treat learning as a continuous, evolving journey rather than a finite goal.”
Key Takeaways from Roundtables:
- Interdisciplinary and Experiential Learning: Institutions like IIT Mandi, BITS Pilani, Manav Rachna, and Lovely Professional University are pioneering AI-personalized learning, challenge-based assessments, and cross-sector partnerships for sustainability, shifting from rote teaching to dynamic, NEP-aligned methods.
- Employability Focus: With 40% of core job skills projected to change by 2030, universities (e.g., BITS Pilani, DIT University, MRIIRS) are integrating micro-credentials, modular credits, work-integrated learning, AI assessments, and industry collaborations (including Pearson India) to build agile, outcomes-driven ecosystems.
- Future-Ready Institutions: Amid tech, globalization, and evolving learner needs, HEIs like Panjab University, Chitkara University, and DIT University are enhancing flexibility through participatory governance, policy/process revitalization, workflow automation, and ethical AI integration in academic and non-academic areas—prioritizing adaptability, collaboration, and sustainability.
Broader Implications:
The report positions higher education transformation as an "operational imperative" rather than a distant goal, urging a shift from mere access to scalable, high-quality systems. It aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), stressing peak performance across all dimensions. Institutions are actively implementing these changes today, fostering continuous improvement.
