Classrooms vs policy: Is NEP 2020 delivering real learning? Experts explain

India has largely addressed school access, but a serious learning crisis persists, experts said at the India Today Education Conclave 2026. Wilima Wadhwa, Director of the ASER Centre, noted that high enrolment has long hidden weak learning outcomes, with many children unable to read or do basic math even in higher grades. 

While recent improvements in foundational literacy and numeracy reflect the impact of NEP 2020 and the NIPUN Bharat mission, learning progress slows sharply after primary school, allowing gaps to accumulate. 

Alka Singh, Head of Partnerships at Educate Girls, stressed that enrolment does not ensure attendance, retention or learning, especially for girls.

High absenteeism, poor transitions from Class 8 to 9 and social barriers push many children out of school. Both speakers at the Education Conclave 2026 called for catch-up strategies, stronger community engagement, better policy convergence, and making skilling aspirational.

Until learning leads to livelihoods, especially for girls, the crisis remains unresolved.