A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, chaired by senior Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, has urged the Union government to increase financial support for State governments to effectively implement the National Education Policy (NEP). The committee presented its report in both Houses of Parliament on March 27, 2025, highlighting the substantial financial burden on States due to provisions like dual degrees, biannual admissions, four-year undergraduate programs, and multidisciplinary universities.
Financial Challenges in NEP Implementation
The committee emphasized that implementing NEP requires significant investment at the State level. It recommended that the percentage of expenditure on education be increased in alignment with NEP targets for 2035.
Concerns Over Declining Placements in IITs, IIITs, and NITs
Apart from NEP implementation, the panel also raised concerns over the decline in placements at premier institutions like IITs, IIITs, and NITs between 2021-22 and 2023-24. It noted a drop in the average financial packages offered to students and called for a government-led study to analyze the reasons behind this trend. Possible factors include:
- Students opting for higher studies
- Increase in startup culture
- Market-driven fluctuations affecting job opportunities
The panel recommended that the concerned department devise measures to enhance employability in response to these trends.
Debate Over CUET as a Universal Entrance Exam
The committee also deliberated on the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) as a universal admissions system for undergraduate studies. Some MPs questioned its effectiveness, especially in disciplines like humanities and social sciences, where multiple-choice questions may not assess critical and subjective thinking skills.
It suggested a review of CUET’s question paper design to ensure that it aligns with NEP’s objectives. The report highlighted the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) admission system as an example of a model that promotes socio-economic and regional diversity, which CUET may not fully accommodate.
While CUET has benefits, the committee acknowledged the need for flexibility in admissions processes, particularly for universities with unique legislative mandates like JNU. It affirmed its commitment to further deliberation on CUET’s structure and implementation.
Future Recommendations
- Increase financial support for NEP implementation at the State level
- Address declining placements and lower salary packages for students in top institutions
- Reassess the CUET structure to make it more inclusive and discipline-appropriate
The report calls for a collaborative approach to ensure the smooth execution of NEP while addressing concerns in higher education admissions and employment trends.
