(GIST OF YOJANA) Multidisciplinary Approach to careers

GIST OF YOJANA : Multidisciplinary Approach to careers

OCTOBER-2025

Multidisciplinary Approach to careers

Context:

Education is fundamental for achieving full human potential, developing an equitable and just society, promoting national development and catering for the needs of 21st century, the multidisciplinary approach of education at all levels of schooling gains paramount significance. The NEP 2020 policy very well emphasises the need to move towards multidisciplinary approach of teaching and learning in education.

Holistic Learning

The multidisciplinary approach in education encourages the integration of subjects and the adoption of a more holistic and well-rounded curriculum. It is an academic approach that assimilates content and teaching methods from multiple disciplines or fields of study.
In a multidisciplinary education programme, students are exposed to knowledge, perspectives and methodologies from various subject areas rather than focusing on a single discipline or a limited area of study that restricts wider understanding. This includes integration of disciplines, interconnected learning and collaborative knowledge.
The multidisciplinary approach in education can do away with rigid and traditional stream-based structure and assist the students to follow the passion with guidance to excel as per their future goals. It promotes the culture of skilling, reskilling and upskilling among the students, a pivotal necessity in the new era of knowledge economy.
NEP 2020 reflects the true essence of Swami Vivekananda’s ‘Man-making Education’, Sri Aurobindo’s ‘Integral Education’ and Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Basic Education’.
It recognises soft skills such as communication, adaptability, integrity, cooperation, teamwork, leadership, accountability, compassion, empathy, resilience, etc. as ‘life skills’ while mastery and proficiency in the field of knowledge as ‘hard skills’.
The combination of the two creates a proficient balance between knowledge and interpersonal attributes.
Gurukul education system was considered a source of knowledge, traditions and practices that guided and encouraged expertise and elements of humanity. Students in Gurukuls were trained in fine arts, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, law, politics and the art of warfare along with other vocational and professional skills.
Emphasis was also laid on values such as humility, truthfulness, discipline, self-reliance and all other aspects of life. Multidisciplinary learning was not just an educational philosophy but a substantial way of understanding the world.
Multidisciplinary education shall help Indian educational institutions to shape critical thinkers who can think out of the box to solve new age issues by utilising the breadth and depth of learning from their education.
Its focuses on value-based education and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) to make the students globally aware, increase the employability and create independent-thinking ethical citizens.

Career and Employability

Obtaining the stability of job and conformity to a profession has been the hallmark of traditional career trajectory in India. The changing world scenario and emerging needs of the 21st century demand for different skill sets and priorities than ever before.
Skills and proficiency in jobs are changing, so the approach to jobs should also change accordingly. Career mapping, career choices and career counselling have been recognised as major headway to link the learners with job market and practical aspects of life.
If the multidisciplinary approach of education can be well linked with career mapping and choices, it can turn India into a thriving knowledge society and a global superpower in human capital.

Integrated Curriculum

The NEP 2020 aims to introduce new-age courses with flexible combinations and durations in IITs, IIMs, NITs, and universities. These courses emphasise multidisciplinary learning, vocational skills and research-oriented programmes. Universities have also started offering on-demand courses aligned with the NEP 2020.
A student of literature taking computer and artificial intelligence (AI) has been unheard of in the traditional Indian education landscape. A course on ‘Hindi literature’ combined with computer skills and digital literacy shall be helpful for students in many ways, particularly in translation-related areas.

Multiple Entry and Exit Options

NEP 2020 allows for multiple entry and exit options enabling a more flexible learning path and alignment with international standards. Indian academics ecosystem is gearing up to introduce such facilities in their courses.
Credit-based learning will enable learners to take up any course based on their choices and demand of the industry. Mixing academics with hands on job experience will perfectly blend the career choices and competency of the learners with the requirements of the job market.

Multidisciplinary Courses

Environmental Studies and Sustainability: Courses in environmental science, environmental management, climate change and sustainable development are being integrated with law, data management, ecology, policy and social sciences. Courses on waste management, disaster management, smart buildings, social entrepreneurship can provide various career choices to the youth.
Arts and Humanities: Programmes in Social Sciences, art, literature are intertwined with knowledge of technology, environment, creative writing, media, International relation, soft skills and law to make them employable.
Knowledge of Technology: Fields like AI, machine learning, data science, cyber-security, and robotics are offered as specialised multidisciplinary programmes with public administration, economics, social science and all traditional engineering courses.
Health, Medical, Psychology and Allied Sciences: Courses in health psychology, community health can be integrated with social work, environmental, biotechnology, occupational health, herbal nutrition, knowledge of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and technology.

Economics and Business: Multidisciplinary approaches can be seen in subjects like entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and financial literacy, often combining economics, business administration, public policy, ecology and technology.
Computer Science and Entrepreneurial Leadership: It combines knowledge of computer with skills important to the creation and leadership of start-ups and entrepreneurship.
Holistic Development: NEP 2020 emphasises the holistic development of the student including their physical, emotional, cognitive and social well-being. It aims to develop a well-rounded person who can handle various situations and problems with confidence and competence.
Digital Learning: NEP 2020 emphasises the digital education in all spheres of life and working. Use of technology in education will equip students with the necessary digital skills and prepare them better for the digital age.

Conclusion:

NEP 2020 prioritises a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, aims to foster unique capabilities and identify the learning trajectory along with cultivation of critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability and a lifelong love of learning. Through a strong foundation in core foundational skills, a flexible and diverse curriculum and innovative pedagogical approaches, NEP 2020 has the potential to nurture well-rounded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society. While there are challenges in its implementation, the multidisciplinary approach has immense potential benefits to career options.