Assessment of NEP 2020 Implementation on ECCE Quality and Access in Indian States: A Multi-State Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Background: The NEP 2020 signaled a fundamental transformation in India’s ECCE landscape, aiming for universal access and enhanced quality for children aged 3–6 years. Prior to NEP 2020, ECCE was marked by limited reach, quality heterogeneity, and systemic inequities, with enrollment at 72.8% in 2018–2019 and notable disparities by region and demographic groups.

Methods: This research adopts a multistate comparative design, leveraging longitudinal data across 15 Indian states between 2018 and 2024. Primary sources included ASER survey data (649,491 children), UDISE+ records (248 million students), and state-level monitoring reports. Statistical analyses comprised descriptive statistics for enrollment and quality scores, ANOVA to evaluate state-level differences, multiple regression to identify implementation predictors, and chi-square tests to probe equity in enrollment patterns.

Results: After NEP 2020 implementation, ECCE enrollment rates increased dramatically from 72.8% to 87.1% by 2024, affirming improved coverage. Quality scores rose from 57.7 to 70.9 points. ANOVA indicated significant between-state variabilities (F=12.47, p<0.001), while regression analyses revealed that higher NEP fidelity (β=0.34, p<0.001), greater per capita expenditure (β=0.28, p<0.01), and higher teacher qualifications (β=0.23, p<0.05) drove outcomes. Chi-square tests showed statistically significant improvements in enrollment across demographic groups (χ²=89.34, p<0.001). Nevertheless, rural–urban gaps (15.2 percentage points) and socioeconomic inequalities persist.

Discussion: Findings strongly suggest that NEP 2020 has catalyzed substantial progress in both access and quality of ECCE, yet enduring challenges such as rural–urban divides and socioeconomic barriers warrant targeted interventions. States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka exemplified best practices through effective Anganwadi-school integration, whereas lagging states need focused policy support. The evidence calls for customized strategies to optimize NEP implementation, especially to close remaining equity gaps and fulfill the goal of universal ECCE access by 2030.