In the pursuit of educational excellence: investigating CSFs for implementing NEP 2020 to redefine the higher education ecosystem

Abstract

Purpose – In the ever-changing landscape of education, new policies play a very crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of nations. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 stands as a testament to the commitment toward redefining the educational paradigm in India. This research aims to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) and present a roadmap to facilitate the implementation of NEP 2020 in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach – A dual-research method is used in this study. First, a systematic literature review was performed to identify the CSFs. Furthermore, the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was implemented to rank CSFs. Findings – The study identifies the CSFs essential for the effective implementation of NEP in Indian HEIs. A comprehensive strategic roadmap, integrating institutional theory, diffusion of innovation, and policy implementation frameworks, is proposed to guide HEIs in aligning with NEP objectives. Additionally, context-specific solutions inspired by global best practices ensure localized and inclusive implementation. The findings highlight NEP 2020s emphasis on multidisciplinary education, digital transformation, equity-driven policies, and institutional restructuring. Practical implications – This study advances multidisciplinary education models, equity-driven policy, and technology-driven reforms. Practical insights include flexible learning pathways, multilingual education, vocational training integration, and quality assurance mechanisms, fostering innovation and global competitiveness in India’s higher education landscape. Originality/value – This groundbreaking research identifies and prioritizes CSFs, also offers a unique strategic roadmap combining institutional and innovation theories for NEP 2020 implementation. It incorporates global best practices and context-specific solutions for transforming India’s higher education ecosystem comprehensively. © 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited

Keywords

Author Keywords

Critical success factors NEP 2020 TOPSIS

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations

Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune, MH, India

Vishwaniketan’s Institute of Management Entrepreneurship and Engineering Technology (ViMEET), Mumbai, India

Funding & Acknowledgements

No funding information

References 10 References

1 Ahmad, Norita B., Technology adoption model and a road map to successful implementation of ITIL, Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 26, 5, pp. 553-576, (2013)

2 Aksom, Herman, How institutional theories explain and fail to explain organizations, Journal of Organizational Change Management, 33, 7, pp. 1223-1252, (2020)

3 Alami, Hassane, Organizational readiness for artificial intelligence in health care: insights for decision-making and practice, Journal of Health Organization and Management, 35, 1, pp. 106-114, (2021)

4 Amarantou, Vasiliki, Resistance to change: an empirical investigation of its antecedents, Journal of Organizational Change Management, 31, 2, pp. 426-450, (2018)

5 Arias, Michael, Human resource allocation in business process management and process mining: A systematic mapping study, Management Decision, 56, 2, pp. 376-405, (2018)

6 Ayalew, Misraku Molla, The effect of financial constraints on innovation in developing countries: Evidence from 11 African countries, Asian Review of Accounting, 28, 3, pp. 273-308, (2020)

7 Baek, Pyounggu, Organizational culture now and going forward, Journal of Organizational Change Management, 32, 6, pp. 650-668, (2019)

8 Behzadian, Majid, A state-of the-art survey of TOPSIS applications, Expert Systems with Applications, 39, 17, pp. 13051-13069, (2012)

9 Carey, Phil, The impact of institutional culture, policy and process on student engagement in university decision-making, Perspectives: Policy and Practice in Higher Education, 22, 1, pp. 11-18, (2018)

10 Crosby, Benjamin L., Policy implementation: The organizational challenge, World Development, 24, 9 SPEC. ISS., pp. 1403-1415, (1996)

In the pursuit of educational excellence: investigating CSFs for implementing NEP 2020 to redefine the higher education ecosystem

How to Cite