NEP replaces which policy – UGC NET Question

NEP 2020 is explicitly presented as replacing the earlier National Policy on Education 1986, which had some modifications in 1992. This shows continuity as well as change in India’s education vision. The new policy builds on earlier achievements but addresses contemporary challenges. Hence the 1986 policy is the one being updated.

Option A:
The 1968 policy was an even earlier framework and had already been superseded by the 1986 policy, so it is not the immediate predecessor.

Option B:
The 1986 policy, with 1992 modifications, is the direct earlier national policy that NEP 2020 replaces.

Option C:
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is a programme for universal elementary education, not a national policy document to be “replaced”.

Option D:
The Right to Education Act is legislation, not a policy that NEP simply replaces, so this option is misleading.