Harnessing the Metaverse for Transforming Indian Higher Education: Aligning Immersive Technologies with NEP 2020

The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) envisions a holistic, multidisciplinary, and technology-driven higher education system in India. This article explores the transformative potential of the Metaverse as an immersive virtual ecosystem powered by VR, AR, AI, and digital twins to operationalise NEP 2020’s core objectives of experiential learning, personalisation, equity, and skill development. Through a structured literature review, policy analysis, and conceptual modeling, the study examines key applications including virtual laboratories, historical simulations, and vocational training, while addressing critical challenges such as infrastructure gaps, digital divide, teacher readiness, data privacy, and ethical concerns. A conceptual multi-objective framework considering benefit, cost, risk, equity, diminishing returns, and non-linear risk scaling, along with phased implementation algorithms, provides a scenario-based basis for balanced adoption. The study indicates that carefully planned and evidence-informed integration of Metaverse technologies may support improved access, faculty readiness, and sustainable digital education, subject to empirical validation through institutional pilots. The article concludes with actionable recommendations and a roadmap for stakeholders to ensure inclusive and sustainable implementation.