Education policy Trajectories in India: From Colonial Frameworks to NEP 2020" A Critical Historical Analysis of Continuity and Transformation in Education Aims and Structure"

Abstract: This research article examines the evolution of educational policies in India from the colonial era through independence to the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020). By applying a historical and critical policy analysis, it traces how educational aims and organizational structures have transformed under multiple political, social, and economic influences. The study identifies significant continuities—such as hierarchical structures and examination-oriented curricula—and transformations, including democratization of access, focus on equity, and holistic learning paradigms. It argues that while NEP 2020 presents an expansive re-imagining of learning goals and institutional reforms, certain colonial legacies persist. The article concludes with implications for future educational governance and equitable implementation.