Enhancing Employability in Fields Other Than STEM through Multidisciplinary Education and NEP 2020

The definition of employability has evolved. The earlier, static notion regarding STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, no longer suffices in the age of networks and creativity. With industries changing rapidly, the ability to innovate, adapt and operate seamlessly has come to be the dominating defining characteristic.

In India, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a major move forward, redefining the ways the education system can help individuals succeed in jobs that challenge conventional boundaries. This policy is not just an advocate for change but rather reimagines the educational role in developing passion, imagination and resilience in students.

The Need for Multidisciplinary Education

The industrial revolutions of the past trained workers for a world of segmented tasks and predefined roles. Today, this paradigm has changed. The future workforce requires a multidisciplinary approach, with skills from disparate domains integrated to tackle complex, real-world problems. Data psychology, AI ethics, and bioinformatics are not the talk of the future; they are operative today and blend humanities, science, and technology in ways never thought possible just ten years ago.

In addition to technical expertise, the ability to navigate human-to-human interactions—whether in healthcare, education, public administration, or creative industries—is critical. Cultural fluency, emotional intelligence and the ability to solve creative problems have become as essential as analytical thinking and technical expertise. These abilities aren't innate but are developed through educational systems that encourage diversity of thinking and encourage multidisciplinary.

NEP 2020 answers this call with a bold vision of creating an educational framework that lets students discover their passions and gain the flexibility needed to compete in the ever-changing job market. Integrating the humanities, arts and science into the fundamental framework of the education system clears pathways for holistic growth, which is an essential requirement in today's competitive job market.

A Gateway to Passion-Driven Careers

A fundamental innovation of NEP 2020 is its emphasis on early academic discovery. Credit-based courses and immersive learning experiences empower students to explore their interests before choosing a specialised path. This is a radical departure from the traditional system, where students are often forced into narrow streams without understanding their true potential or interests.

For instance, a student with an affinity for psychology as well as a love of machine learning could pursue the path to a career in AI-powered solutions to mental health. Similar to those interested in music therapy, culinary arts or studies of culture are no longer on the fringes. NEP 2020 creates space for these areas of interest to flourish by recognising their economic and cultural values.

Globally, leading institutions such as Stanford and MIT have taken on integrating the arts into STEM and shifted to the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) framework. This model not just propels technical expertise but also the creativity and critical thinking skills required to think outside the box and excel. NEP 2020 aligns India with the global trend and ensures that students are prepared to compete on a global stage.

A Shift toward Holistic Development

Education, as it stands today, often suffers from excessive compartmentalisation. Subjects are treated as rigid academic streams that predetermine isolated entities and career paths. NEP 2020 challenges this status quo by promoting flexibility in curricula and encouraging students to combine subjects like philosophy and computer science or economics and design. This shift is not cosmetic—it’s fundamental to preparing individuals for careers that require multidisciplinary fluency.

A report by World Economic Forum revealed that 65% of the children entering primary school will be working in fields that do not yet exist. This number isn't simply an indication of the technological advancements; it's clear for the world to reinvent the education system. In order to remain relevant, students need the ability to adapt, pivot, and learn new abilities throughout their lives. The introduction of NEP 2020's Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is a significant move in this direction, which allows students to accrue and transfer credit across disciplines and institutions seamlessly.

Building Infrastructure for Passion-Driven Learning

Passion-driven careers—whether in culinary sciences, art appreciation, or music—require more than enthusiasm; they need robust infrastructure and academic support. Historically, these fields have been marginalised and seen as hobbies rather than viable professions. NEP 2020 disrupts this narrative by integrating vocational training into mainstream education, starting as early as Grade 6. This ensures that students are not only exposed to a diverse array of disciplines but also receive the practical training needed to excel in them.

India’s government has further reinforced this vision through initiatives like Skill Hubs and Startup India, which create seamless pathways for students to transition from academic learning to professional application.

A Collaborative Path Forward

Educational policies have become a key factor in achieving India’s ambition of reaching a $5 trillion economy. While NEP 2020 can be considered a bold initiative, its success will be mainly dependent on its implementation. To facilitate such students, future educators, businesspeople, and policymakers need to come together to create an educational framework that promotes creativity, responsiveness, and diversity.

Instead, let us invest in the educational domain that ignites curiosity, instills determination, and recognises the endless potential of human genius.

(This article is authored by Amit Saneja, CEO, Educate Online)