India’s education system is undergoing a major transformation with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data literacy, coding, and cybersecurity into school and college curricula. This change is being introduced as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2025, which emphasizes building strong foundations in digital and technological skills from an early stage.

The inclusion of these subjects aims to enhance applied learning and boost research readiness among students. By learning coding and data skills, students will not only understand how technology works but also develop the ability to solve real-world problems using computational thinking. AI and cybersecurity lessons are expected to foster awareness about digital safety and prepare students for the future of work, where such knowledge is essential.

This shift reflects the growing need for a tech-savvy workforce in India. As the country invests more in digital innovation and research, introducing students to emerging technologies at the school and undergraduate levels ensures they are better prepared for careers in science, technology, and research-intensive fields.

The policy also encourages institutions to focus on interdisciplinary education, combining technical skills with critical thinking and ethical awareness. This approach is designed to make students not just job-ready, but also capable of contributing meaningfully to research, innovation, and national development.

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was established under the ANRF Act 2023 with the core purpose of strengthening India’s research ecosystem and cultivating a strong research culture in academic institutions. Its formation marks a significant policy shift to ensure that research and innovation become integral parts of higher education and national development.

The primary purpose of ANRF is to promote, fund, and coordinate large-scale, high-quality research across various disciplines, especially in science, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), agriculture, and health. It aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical societal needs by supporting projects that have real-world impact.

ANRF is also tasked with mobilizing public and private investments in research, making India more self-reliant and globally competitive. By fostering collaboration between universities, research institutions, and industries, the foundation ensures that academic knowledge is translated into innovative technologies and solutions.

Additionally, ANRF plays a crucial role in encouraging young researchers, building institutional research capacity, and creating an environment where Indian scholars can contribute meaningfully to global science and innovation.

In essence, ANRF exists to elevate India’s research standards, drive interdisciplinary collaboration, and support sustainable, inclusive development through knowledge creation and innovation.

India’s New Education Policy for 2025 places a strong emphasis on embedding research-based learning from the earliest stages of education. Students in both schools and undergraduate programs will now engage in exploratory and inquiry-driven education, fostering critical thinking, innovation, and academic curiosity from a young age. The idea is to move away from rote memorization and elevate the status of learning through inquiry across all grade levels.

Restructuring Undergraduate Education

Under NEP 2025, traditional colleges are being transformed into Multidisciplinary Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs). These institutions grant students greater flexibility in course choices, allowing for combinations across streams such as humanities, sciences, and vocational studies. The aim is to provide a customizable education that better aligns with students’ interests and real-world demands.

A key highlight is the introduction of a four‑year undergraduate degree, with embedded research as a core component. Within this structure, students may opt for multiple exit options:

• Certificate after one year
• Diploma after two years
• Full degree after three or four years, including a substantial research component in the final year

This integrated approach expands access to higher education while formally acknowledging student progress at each stage.

Research in Schools & Higher Education

NEP 2025 encourages even school students to engage with research concepts via projects, science fairs, and interdisciplinary assignments. In higher education, MHEIs are expected to offer research labs, mentorship, and early engagement in exploration and innovation. This shift aims to narrow the gap between theory and practice, preparing learners to contribute meaningfully to academia and society.

Broader Goals & Future Outlook

Beyond research and structural reforms, NEP 2025 continues to promote broader transformation goals:

Emphasis on multilingual education, foundational literacy, and holistic development

Implementation of the 5+3+3+4 schooling structure, reinstating rigor in student assessment

Gradual creation of a single higher education regulator to consolidate existing councils like UGC, AICTE, and NCTE into a unified body

Targets for the future include raising the higher‑education Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) and increasing India’s global ranking in research output

Significance & Impact

These reforms mark a major shift in India’s educational philosophy. By ushering research culture from early stages, students are encouraged to think critically and independently. Transforming colleges into MHEIs dismantles rigid disciplinary boundaries, making education more adaptive and responsive to emerging global challenges.

In essence, NEP 2025 doesn’t merely add research as a module—it transforms it into a core pillar, reshaping how Indian students learn, innovate, and prepare for the world.