It’s been three years since the National Education Policy 2020 laid out a map for a long-overdue re-imagination of Indian education. As was the case with almost everything else, the COVID-19 pandemic had slowed down the implementation of this aspired transition. Thus, even after the lapse of roughly 36 months, we find that it is still not a big enough sample to evaluate a policy which proposes vital shifts in education: from creating a system in which “children not only learn, but more importantly learn how to learn”, to one in which “pedagogy must evolve to make education more experiential, inquiry-driven, flexible” and in which there is “no hard separation between arts and sciences”. The NEP 2020, a monumental stride in Indian education, seeks to bring about transformative changes across various dimensions of the system. While it has received accolades for its ambition, it is imperative to scrutinise one of its most crucial aspects: the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the curriculum and pedagogical approaches. India boasts one of the world’s largest education systems, yet it grapples with an outdated educational paradigm. Rote learning prevails, leaving students to memorise information without grasping the essence of concepts. This pedagogical approach does a disservice to critical thinking and creativity, failing to equip students for practical applications of knowledge. The consequence is a glaring disconnect between what is learned in classrooms and its real-world applicability. Moreover, the curriculum confines itself within subject-specific silos, limiting interdisciplinary learning, which is essential for holistic comprehension and the ability to synthesise knowledge. Another looming concern is the teacher-centric teaching model. Lectures dominate, diminishing student engagement and participation, stifling the development of critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills. This system neglects the essential life skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving that students need to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. NEP 2020 presents a vision to align education with real-world skills, promoting holistic development and preparing students for the 21st century challenges. The current system’s emphasis on rote learning and content-based education hampers the development of crucial skills. The proposed curriculum and pedagogical reforms aim to expose students to a wider range of subjects, including vocational skills, arts and physical education. This holistic approach ensures students develop a well-rounded skill set, enabling them to succeed in an evolving global landscape. One of the key highlights of NEP 2020 is its emphasis on experiential learning. This approach allows students to gain practical experiences that enhance their understanding of theoretical concepts. Research supports that experiential learning boosts retention, engagement and critical thinking abilities. By incorporating such methodologies, education can evolve from passive learning to active engagement, yielding better educational outcomes. The current curriculum burdens students with an extensive syllabus, discouraging deep learning and conceptual clarity. NEP 2020 addresses this by advocating for a reduction in content load. Streamlining the curriculum will enable educators to ensure quality learning while reducing the burden on students. This change will facilitate a thorough understanding of concepts and their practical application. Multidisciplinary education is another noteworthy facet of NEP 2020. It promotes holistic learning, enabling students to connect ideas across different subjects, nurturing creativity and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills. By incorporating multidisciplinary perspectives, students can develop a broader worldview, which is invaluable in a rapidly changing world. In the digital age, technological literacy is paramount. NEP 2020 recognises this need and strives to integrate technology effectively into the curriculum. Students will gain digital literacy and technological competency through innovative teaching methods, preparing them for a future where digital skills are indispensable. However, the successful implementation of these reforms is contingent on various factors. Adequate investment in infrastructure, resource allocation and teacher training is imperative. A robust evaluation and monitoring system must be established to assess the effectiveness of these reforms. Addressing disparities in access to quality education, especially in remote areas and marginalised communities, is essential to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.