Published Paper Details:

Vocational education in India has historically occupied a marginal position within the schooling system, often perceived as inferior to academic education and often associated with social stigma. This marginalisation has contributed to skill mismatches, youth unemployment, and a persistent disconnect between education and the world of work. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE 2023) represent a significant paradigm shift by envisioning vocational education as an integral component of mainstream schooling rather than a peripheral alternative. This paper examines how these policy frameworks seek to reposition vocational education through early integration, curricular restructuring, experiential pedagogy, and flexible learning pathways. Using policy analysis as a methodological lens, the study explores the opportunities created by this shift--such as enhanced employability, learner engagement, and educational equity--while also identifying key challenges related to implementation, teacher preparedness, infrastructure, and societal attitudes. The paper argues that although NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023 provide a robust and progressive framework for mainstreaming vocational education, the success of this transformation depends on sustained systemic support and a fundamental change in educational mindsets.