Strategic Model for IT investment decision for Indian Higher Education Institution in context of National Education Policy 2020

The national education policy (NEP) is a framework that guides the development of education in India. NEP 2020 proposes a structural change in the education system, ensuring equity and inclusion. The Indian government, which has an audacious goal to facilitate multiple pathways to learners both at the school level and at higher education, has proposed NEP. To make NEP a reality at the Indian higher education institutions (HEI), focus and investment in information technology are necessary. We need a strategic plan along with a road map for the same. This paper studies the current scenario of IT infrastructure in Indian HEI's and the overall process adopted in decision making regarding IT investment. 252 Universities were part of the sample, and the prevailing IT infrastructure was studied. The study also included their decision-making mechanism for IT investments. The paper also proposes a strategic model for investment in IT which can immensely help Indian HEIs successfully implement NEP 2020.