The New Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), which emphasises multidisciplinary, holistic, and skill-based learning, seeks to transform the Indian educational system. However, the implementation of this policy presents several challenges for rural higher educational institutions. Some of the significant challenges are Infrastructure, Faculty shortage, Student readiness, financial constraints, Language barrier and Limited industry exposure. Rural higher educational institutions often lack adequate infrastructure such as libraries, laboratories and technology infrastructure, which are essential for implementing the NEP 2020. They often face a shortage of qualified faculty. Implementing the NEP 2020 requires trained faculty who can teach in an interdisciplinary and skill-based manner, which may be difficult to find in rural areas. Many students in rural areas may not be prepared for the new educational paradigm of the NEP 2020. This can be due to the lack of exposure to new teaching methodologies, lack of awareness on higher education, limited access to technology, limited exposure to interdisciplinary and skill-based learning. The institutions may face financial constraints in implementing the NEP 2020, as the policy requires significant investment in infrastructure, faculty development, and technology. Rural students may struggle with the medium of instruction under the NEP 2020, due to the policy's emphasis on using native or regional languages as the instruction's medium. Many students may not be proficient in their mother tongue or regional language. These institutions may not have easy access to industry collaborations or industry exposure, which is an essential component of the NEP 2020.

Rural Higher Education, Education Awareness, NEP 2020, Holistic learning, Infrastructure, Industry collaboration, Implementation