This edited volume offers a critical, multidimensional analysis of India’s higher education system—its evolution, challenges, and global competitiveness. Framed by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Sustainable Development Goals, the book explores disparities in access, curriculum relevance, research output, and employability. It highlights the transformative potential of multidisciplinary learning, digital innovation, and international collaboration, while aligning with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. 

Mohammad Amin Dar is Associate Professor in the Department of Education at the University of Kashmir, India. Dar specializes in value education, emotional intelligence, and AI in education, with over 35 publications and extensive MOOC contributions. He also serves as Nodal Officer (DIQA) and Sports Coordinator at the university.

Mohd. Muzamil is Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kashmir, India. Muzamil is an author and leads research on tribal youth and decision-making. He coordinates national-level digital learning initiatives including SWAYAM and IIT Bombay’s Spoken Tutorial.

Faheem Syeed Masoodi is  Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Kashmir, India. Masoodi is a cryptography expert with global research fellowships and a PhD from Aligarh Muslim University. His work spans post-quantum security, IoT, and financial cryptography, with prior roles in India, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.

Sumeer Gul is Professor in the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Kashmir, India. Gul is a prolific scholar with publications in top-tier journals and an h-index of 19 on Google Scholar. He has led the university’s central library and contributes to global research in information science.

Aasia Maqbool is Senior Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at the University of Kashmir. Maqbool researches adolescent mental health and academic achievement, with multiple publications and national projects. She coordinates MOOCs and serves as Principal Investigator for an NCERT-funded initiative.