India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduces a transformative framework aimed at redefining the education system through holistic development, multidisciplinary learning, digital integration, and inclusivity. Designed to enhance cognitive skills, technical proficiency, and academic excellence, the policy’s impact on student social learning—encompassing interpersonal communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and teamwork—remains an underexplored domain in educational research.

This study investigates the role of NEP 2020 in shaping social competencies across primary, secondary, and higher education, analyzing both its theoretical foundation and practical implementation. Using a mixedmethods research approach, incorporating quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and case studies, the research evaluates how key reforms—such as multilingual education, experiential learning, skill-based curricula, competency-driven assessments, and digital pedagogy—foster collaborative learning, cultural adaptability, ethical awareness, civic responsibility, and leadership skills.