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The growing ethical, social, and cultural challenges in contemporary societies have renewed global interest in value education within higher education. In India, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the integration of ethical, constitutional, humanistic, and cultural values as a central objective of higher education reform. This study critically examines the position and practice of value education in higher education institutions in Assam, a region characterized by cultural plurality and socio-historical complexity. Using a qualitative, policy-analytic approach, the paper analyzes NEP 2020 provisions alongside institutional practices and regional realities in Assam. The study identifies gaps between policy intent and implementation, particularly in curriculum design, pedagogical practices, faculty preparedness, and assessment mechanisms. It argues that while NEP 2020 provides a comprehensive and progressive framework, effective realization of value education in Assam requires contextual adaptation, institutional commitment, and pedagogical transformation. The paper contributes to the discourse on value-based higher education by offering region-specific insights and policy-oriented recommendations relevant to developing and multicultural contexts.