Assam government asks universities to prepare higher education action plans under NEP 2020

Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has asked the universities across the state of Assam to prepare institution-specific action plans that will have clear priorities, measurable targets and timelines. This will boost the development of higher education and also help in the implementation of reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Kota has issued the direction on September 25, 2026, after chairing a meeting with university authorities and senior officials of the Higher Education Department. The meeting’s agenda was to review the implementation of ‘28 action points’ which were identified at the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries, held under the theme “Higher Education: Knowledge Economy”.

All the proposed plans will focus on improving institutional and faculty capacity. These will also boost research and innovation, improving collaboration between universities and industry, and promoting skill-based learning. The universities are also expected to work on building future-ready curriculum and reforms which are linked to NEP 2020.

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Assam universities to set measurable targets

The meeting also focused on improving opportunities for higher education and also increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in areas where Assam falls below the national average.

Kota said these planned exercises should go beyond just following rules and instead focus on measurable improvements in areas of institutional capacity, educational quality and student results. The plans made by individual universities will be part of a state-level strategy and will be reviewed so that the progress can be tracked.

The Chief Secretary said, “Assam's expanding higher education system, including the establishment of new universities, improved infrastructure and increased institutional capacity, should lead to better access and stronger academic and research opportunities.”

The state will also ensure that students learn skills that are relevant for getting new jobs. Kota also said that a strong higher education system will help develop a skilled workforce in Assam. He added that it will also help the state contribute to India’s developing knowledge economy.