India’s first Education Policy was implemented in 1986. After thirty-four years, the National Education Policy (NEP) for India has updated. India’s Education policy marks a huge milestone, which will undoubtedly make Indian education more impressive.
The policy is based on the pillars of “Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, Accountability” and will transform India into a vibrant knowledge hub.
Key Highlights of New Education Policy
1.The Curricular and Educational Structure
Educators have used 5+3+3+4 design to guide the educational structure and curriculum of schools based on brain development and learning principles.
Foundational Stage (age 3-8 years): Rapid brain development; learning based on play and active discovery.
Preparatory Stage (8-11 years): Building on play and discovery; begin the transition to structured learning.
Middle Stage (11-14 years): Learning concepts in subjects; begin navigating adolescence.
Secondary Stage (14-18 years): Preparation for livelihood and higher education; transition into young adulthood.
The secondary stage will consist of four years of interdisciplinary study. It will enhance students’ subject depth, critical thinking, attention to life aspirations, and flexibility of choice.
This will reduce curriculum load to key concepts and principles, as a result allowing for more in-depth and practical learning.
Further, there will be equal emphasis on all subjects like science, social sciences, art, languages, sports, mathematics with a combination of vocational and academic courses in school.
A school must teach in the native language of the students until at least 5th grade, but preferably until 8th grade.
All students will be encouraged to develop proficiency in scientific reasoning, sense of aesthetics and art, communication, ethical reasoning, computing skills,
Assess Students on a broad range of core skills and knowledge in all examinations (including the Board examination). The purpose of assessments is to help students reach their fullest potential.
By 2025, assessment of middle school level and above will be through adaptive computerized testing.
2.Highlights in Pre-School Education (3-8 yrs) Foundational stage
It outlines guidelines for teaching early childhood education to provide appropriate cognitive stimulation. Therefore, more emphasis will be placed on games and activities that will help children learn and relate.
There will be a significant expansion and strengthening of early childhood facilities through amulti-pronged approach.
Design of a learner-friendly environment and the professionalization of high-quality educators for early childhood education is included.
The Right to Education Act 2009 will be extended to assure the availability of free and compulsory quality education for all 3–6-year-olds.
Grade 1 to 5 will have a robust assessment system and have access to high-quality materials.
All Grade 1 students will undergo a three-month-long school preparation module.
3.Highlights of Secondary Stage (14-18 years)
Class 10 and 12th exams will be made easier. Students’ performance will be evaluated on the basis of core competencies rather than memorized facts.
According to the new policy, students will be able to take their exams twice.
From 8th-11th students will be able to choose subjects.
4.Highlights in Higher Education (University level)
The current gross enrollment ratio in higher education is 26.3% which is being raised to 50% by 2035.
The 4-year program will provide students the opportunity to experience the full range of liberal education.
The 3-year studies will lead to a Bachelors’ degree. The students in both programs may earn a degree ‘with honors’ if they conduct research work.
The undergraduate degree may be of 3 or 4 years duration. Institutions may offer multiple exit options within this period, with the appropriate certification, an advanced diploma in a discipline or field.
With this model, students can earn a certificate after one year, a diploma after two years, and a bachelor’s degree after three years.
Universities can have the flexibility to offer Master’s programs of varying designs like:-
There can be a 2-year program with the second year devoted entirely to research,
For those who have completed the 3-year undergraduate program; there may be an integrated 5-year Master’s program;
For students completing a 4- year undergraduate degree with honors, there could be a 1-year Master’s program.
A student who wants to pursue a Ph.D. should have either a Masters’s degree or a four-year degree with honors. The M.Phil. degree will not be offered anymore.
Besides, academic performance students will also be evaluated based on their abilities, interests, and social engagement.
In addition, professional education will play a significant role in the higher education system.
5.Emphasis use of technology in Education
With new education policies, technology has become a prominent feature of the education system. Therefore including digital resources will improve the technical skills of both teachers and students.
The use of technology in educational processes will be optimized through online resources/materials, training to teachers to use technology, qualified support, and research.
6.Emphasis on Vocational Education
Last but not least education policy defines the role of vocational education in all educational institutions. This will be part of a broader vision of liberal education.
This transition will be facilitated through collaboration between educational institutions and technical institutions and industry, through a separate fund for integration.
7.Eligibility of Teachers
New education policies ensure that students at all levels of school education should be taught by passionate, motivated, highly qualified, professionally trained, and well-equipped teachers.
These qualities of the teachers determine the success of any educational effort.
The first step would be a Teachers will be recruited through robust and transparent processes through a redesigned teacher eligibility test, followed by an interview and teaching demonstration.
Promotions will be merit-based, multi-source periodic performance appraisals will happen and opportunities to become educational policymakers or teacher trainers will be available.
8.Role of Parents
Parents will have access to all relevant information related to schools from the public domain. As a result, they become de facto regulators of the education system.
In conclusion, the New Education Policy 2020 aims to facilitate an equitable participatory, and interdisciplinary educational process. It incorporates field experience, stakeholder feedback, and lessons learned from best practices.
