#educationreforms

What started as a social media movement has now reached the streets. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) launched a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the examination system. Protesters have highlighted the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and disputes surrounding CBSE's evaluation process as key issues. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke joined the demonstration, while social activist Sonam Wangchuk has also expressed support. Organizers say the movement aims to push for transparency, accountability, and reforms in India's education system.

Introduction

The New Education Policy (NEP) 2025 is one of the biggest reforms India has seen in higher education. From flexible subject choices to a more holistic admission process, NEP aims to make learning more student-centric and future-ready. But how exactly is it reshaping college admissions? Let’s break it down.

1. Flexible Subject Combinations

Earlier, students had to stick to rigid streams like Science, Commerce, or Arts. NEP 2025 changes that. Now, a student who loves Physics and Political Science or Maths and Music can study them together. Colleges are expected to allow this flexibility during admissions, giving students more freedom to shape their academic path.

2. Multidisciplinary Approach

Admissions will no longer be limited to a single subject focus. For example, a student entering a B.Sc. programme may also be able to take up entrepreneurship or design courses as electives. This approach prepares students for multiple career options instead of a narrow track.

3. Emphasis on Skills Alongside Marks

NEP 2025 is reducing the weight of marks alone in admissions. Colleges may consider a mix of:

Entrance tests

Portfolios or projects

Extracurricular achievements

This means students with creativity, leadership, or innovation skills have a better chance at securing a seat.

4. Multiple Entry and Exit Options

One major shift in admissions is the introduction of a four-year undergraduate framework with exit options. Students who leave after 1, 2, or 3 years will still get a recognized qualification (certificate, diploma, or degree). This flexibility is expected to make admissions more inclusive for those who face financial or personal hurdles.

5. Technology-Driven Admissions

Digital platforms are being strengthened to ensure simpler, transparent, and centralized admissions across universities. With more data integration, students will be able to apply seamlessly and track their admission status online.

6. Regional and Global Opportunities

The policy encourages international collaborations and the entry of foreign universities in India. This will reflect in admissions too, as students may soon have access to global-standard courses without leaving the country.

Conclusion

The NEP 2025 is not just an education reform—it’s a complete mindset shift. By making admissions more flexible, skill-based, and globally aligned, it ensures that students are not boxed into one path but can explore, experiment, and excel. For the upcoming batches, college admissions in India will feel very different—and much more empowering.

The New Education Policy (NEP) 2025 is bringing major transformations to India’s higher education system, especially in the way students approach college admissions. Designed to make education more flexible, skill-oriented, and inclusive, this policy aims to bridge the gap between academics and real-world requirements. Let’s look at how NEP 2025 is reshaping the college admission process and what students should know before applying.

Multiple Entry and Exit Options

One of the biggest reforms under NEP 2025 is the introduction of multiple entry and exit points in higher education. Unlike the traditional system where students had to complete a degree in one go, now they can pause their studies and rejoin later without losing their progress. For example, a student completing one year may receive a certificate, two years a diploma, and three to four years a full degree. This flexibility is likely to impact admissions as students will have more choices and control over their academic journey.

Emphasis on Skill-Based Learning

College admissions are no longer going to be judged only on board exam scores or entrance tests. NEP 2025 encourages institutions to value skills, practical knowledge, and overall aptitude. This means colleges may start giving weightage to portfolios, projects, and extracurricular achievements during admissions. For students, this shift highlights the importance of developing both academic and non-academic skills.

Common University Entrance Test (CUET) Expansion

CUET has already changed the way students apply to central universities, and under NEP 2025, its role is expected to expand further. More universities, including private and state institutions, may adopt CUET for admissions to bring uniformity. This will reduce the stress of preparing for multiple entrance exams and allow students to apply to various colleges through a single standardized test.

Multidisciplinary Education Approach

Gone are the days when students were locked into one stream. NEP 2025 promotes multidisciplinary education, giving students the freedom to choose subjects across streams. For example, a student can study Physics along with Music or Economics along with Computer Science. College admissions will now allow more combinations, and students can tailor their courses based on interests and career goals.

Focus on Regional and National Languages

Language has also been given importance in the policy. Admissions may now consider proficiency in regional or national languages, encouraging students to learn beyond English. Colleges are expected to offer more programs in Indian languages, making higher education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.

Credit Transfer System

The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) introduced under NEP 2025 will make admissions even more flexible. Students can earn credits from one institution and transfer them to another if they decide to switch colleges or courses. This ensures mobility and helps students avoid starting over if they want to pursue a different program.

Increased Use of Technology

Admissions are becoming more digital-friendly. From online applications to virtual counseling and AI-based student profiling, NEP 2025 is pushing colleges to use technology to make the admission process more transparent and efficient. This will benefit students from remote areas who earlier faced barriers in accessing quality institutions.

Inclusivity in Admissions

NEP 2025 also emphasizes inclusivity by creating more opportunities for economically weaker and marginalized sections of society. Colleges are expected to introduce scholarship-based admissions and reserve seats for underrepresented groups. This will make higher education more equitable and diverse.

What Students Should Do

Students planning to apply to colleges under NEP 2025 should start preparing in a holistic way. Instead of focusing only on marks, they must build strong portfolios, gain practical exposure, and be open to interdisciplinary learning. Understanding CUET and keeping track of university-specific guidelines will also be crucial.

Conclusion

The NEP 2025 is not just changing college admissions but also redefining how students view education. With flexibility, inclusivity, and skill-based evaluation at its core, the new policy ensures that higher education in India becomes more student-friendly and future-oriented. For aspiring students, it’s time to adapt, explore new opportunities, and embrace this fresh wave of educational reforms.

The Faculty Development Program on National Education Policy and Artificial Intelligence, held in Varanasi City, received outstanding feedback from participating principals and senior teachers.

Dr. Shoury Kuttappa, a highly regarded faculty member, played a crucial role in guiding the program’s insightful sessions. Dr. Kuttappa expertly bridged the gap between the National Education Policy (NEP) and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern education, highlighting how AI can support NEP goals such as personalized learning, skill development, and competency-based assessments.

Through dynamic discussions and hands-on demonstrations, he empowered participants to explore innovative AI applications in line with NEP mandates, helping educators envision an adaptable, future-ready curriculum.