Abstract
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduced a transformative framework for India’s higher-education sector by positioning institutional autonomy as a central element for improving quality, inclusivity, and accessibility. This study investigates how NEP-driven autonomy can strengthen the Eligible Enrollment Ratio (EER)—a refined indicator that measures participation among students who meet formal eligibility criteria for higher education. Drawing upon secondary data from the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) and official government reports, the paper analyses enrollment patterns and institutional developments before and after NEP 2020. It further explores how academic, administrative, and financial autonomy supports curricular innovation, flexible entry and exit systems, and community-oriented learning. The findings indicate that greater institutional freedom enhances adaptability, equity, and participation. The study concludes that effectively implemented autonomy, as envisioned by NEP 2020, can substantially advance equitable and sustainable access to higher education in India.
keywords: NEP 2020, institutional autonomy, innovation, eligible enrollment ratio, gross enrollment ratio, higher education access
