REVOLUTIONIZING TEACHER EDUCATION IN INDIA: INSIGHTS AND CHALLENGES OF NEP 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 signifies a fundamental change in the Indian education system, with teacher education seen as essential for realizing its transformational objectives. This strategy prioritizes the cultivation of comprehensive, introspective, and proficient educators to meet the varied requirements of 21st century students. The paper examines the key provisions of NEP 2020 concerning teacher education, including the integration of multidisciplinary training, the establishment of teacher education institutions (TEIs) aligned with global standards, and a focus on experiential and holistic learning approaches. It also explores challenges such as infrastructure limitations, regulatory hurdles, and the need for professional development frameworks to actualize the policy’s objectives. Further, the study delves into the role of teacher education in fostering sustainability, inclusivity, and equity within the education system. Special attention is given to the implications of digitalization, lifelong learning, and collaborative teaching methodologies. Through a critical analysis of NEP 2020’s implementation strategies, this paper identifies opportunities for innovation and areas requiring further intervention to ensure the envisioned transformation is both impactful and sustainable. These results add to a better understanding of how NEP (2020) may transform teacher education and support India’s objective of developing a teaching profession that is both competent and empowered, with the ability to nurture future generations for sustainable development.