National Education Policy 2020
The National Education Policy of India (NEP) was announced in July 2020 by the Union Ministry of Education. It replaces the previous education policy rolled out in 1986. The NEP 2020 is an ambitious shift that hopes to transform the Indian education landscape. It envisions an education system rooted in the Indian ethos, delivering education of the highest quality such that it catapults India into being a global knowledge superpower.
Quick NEP 2020 Highlights
Promotes Universal Access to education regardless of age, gender, socio-economic background, ability or special needs.
Emphasis on developing Foundational Skills of literacy and numeracy at an early stage.
A revised school curriculum with 5+3+3+4 structure, experiential learning and reduced rigidity between academic and vocational streams.
Focused on Holistic Development that encourages critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and life skills along with academics.
Emphasis on Mother Tongue as language of instruction for the child until Grade 5.
Reduced Exam Stress with the focus shifting towards. competency-based assessments and continuous evaluation.
Vocational Skills introduced from Class 6. Internships to bridge the gap between education and expertise.
Focus on improving teacher quality and pedagogy with Revamped Teacher Training.
The NEP 2020 is an ambitious policy aimed at creating well-rounded individuals with strong foundational skills and the ability to thrive as well as lead in the 21st century.
What Are the Five Fundamental Principles of NEP 2020?
- 01
Access
Providing quality access to elementary education for all children, regardless of their gender, socio-economic background, location or caste.
- 02
Equity
Ensuring equity of education through individual support and personalised learning.
- 03
Quality
Delivering high-quality education to all students regardless of their location and background.
- 04
Affordability
Making education free and compulsory for all between ages 3-18 years and providing support wherever needed.
- 05
Accountability
Delivering guidance and framework for holistic education for all. Holding states, districts and schools accountable for implementation to improve educational outcomes.
What Are the Main Features of NEP 2020?
For Schools
Universal & Extensive AccessThe NEP 2020 assures comprehensive and extensive access to school education for all aged between 3-18 years. It ensures inclusivity and equity of education by including modules such as multiple modes of learning, innovative education centres, tracking student progress, teacher training and utilising technology in assisting teachers.
Moving from‘10+2’ pattern to ‘5+3+3+4’Doing away with the ‘10+2’ educational structure, the NEP 2020 introduces a 5+3+3+4 structure, bringing early childhood education into its fold. The policy brings the preschool ages of 3-6 years under its curriculum structure stressing the role of language in learning (using mother tongue for instruction) and play based learning. The new structure defines the Foundation stage (3-8 years), Preparatory stage (8-11 years), Middle stage (11-14 years) and Secondary stage (14-18 years).
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) ModuleThe NEP 2020 recognises that a large part of a child’s brain development takes place up to the age of 6, making these years crucial for laying a strong foundation. By including play-based and experiential learning the ECCE module lays out the framework for foundational learning through immersive and sensorial techniques such as puzzles, play, music, building material etc. The roll out includes pre-schools and Aanganwadis taking cognisance of non-urban learning centres.
Foundational Literacy And NumeracyThe ability to read, write and execute basic mathematics tasks is defined as foundational literacy and numeracy under the NEP 2020. The NEP mandates foundational numeracy and literacy for all students by grade 3 with a 5-tier implementation program to be established starting from national, state, district, and block down to school level.
Revamped School Curricula And PedagogyOne of the key highlights of the NEP 2020 is its approach to curricula and pedagogy. On one hand, it stresses the need to develop essential skills for holistic growth such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, creative solutions etc. through pedagogy; on the other hand, it reduces the burden on students and teachers by minimising the prescribed curriculum. To promote holistic but flexible learning it allows students to pursue subjects of their choice, doing away with the rigid compartmentalising of streams, academic and vocational subjects and curricular and extracurricular pursuits. It also allows students to choose the level (basic or higher) of the subject of their interest.
Language & MultilingualismRecognising the role of the mother tongue in aiding understanding and grasp of concepts in early childhood, the NEP 2020 requires the language of instruction to remain the mother tongue in the foundational stage. To further its mission of being rooted in the Indian ethos as well as take into account India’s rich history in diverse languages and literature, the NEP 2020 includes at least two Indian and one foreign language in the curriculum up to grade 5.
Assessment ReformsStressing the need to assess a student’s holistic learning and development and not just memorisation of concepts, the NEP 2020 lays down a number of changes in the assessment framework. It encourages teachers to use assessments for learning (formative assessment teaching techniques) as well as assessments of learning (summative assessments for showcasing expertise). The NEP 2020 also mandates the setting up of PARAKH (Performance, Assessment, Review and Analysis for Holistic Development) an autonomous body tasked with setting guidelines, implementation strategies and learning outcomes. Through this body, assessments will be tracked throughout a student’s school years (including key assessments of grades 3,5,& 8) to draw their growth trajectory. This would reduce the pressure of high-stakes external board exams. The students will also have the option of taking their board exams twice and the best of the two performances will be treated as final. Another assessment reform under NEP 2020 would be the shift from report cards to progress cards. Progress cards would highlight the all-round development of the student and include self-assessment as well as inputs from peers and parents.
Assistance for Student NeedsWith an agenda to offer equitable and inclusive education to children of all abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, genders and identities, NEP 2020 recognises the financial needs of students from marginalised backgrounds and those with special needs. The NEP 2020 will offer financial assistance to institutions that work with such students to ensure equal opportunity to learn and parity of education. The NEP will also set up Special Education Zones and Gender Inclusion funds to assist schools in offering an inclusive learning space and experience to the students in need.
Teacher Training ProgramWith its large vision, the NEP 2020 underlines the role of teachers, and the importance of having well-trained educators. It lays down an outline for teacher training that includes the use of the latest technology to reduce the time burden on teachers. It stresses the need for continual learning and professional development of teachers to keep them updated on the latest developments in the education sector.
School GovernanceThe NEP highlights the need for universal access to quality education. It recognises the role of the booming education sector and the mushrooming number of schools in providing universal access. However, the large number of schools also leads to infrastructure and resources pressure. The NEP suggests forming school clusters or complexes to ensure operational economies by having an adequate number of teachers for every subject as well as adequate infrastructural resources that are shared by each complex. This also aids in the optimal governance of schools by supervisory bodies.
For Higher Education
UG StructureThe NEP 2020 also marks a shift in its approach to undergraduate education. A student pursuing a subject for a year and then dropping it will receive a Certificate in it, while a student dropping the subject after 2 years will receive an Advance Diploma. A Bachelor’s Degree will be awarded on pursuing the subject for 3 years and a Bachelor’s of Research will be conferred on completing 4 years of study of the subject. This will mean students can continue their education after a gap, by ensuring a credit system for courses already completed.
Holistic Multidisciplinary EducationStudents will now be able to select from a wide variety of multidisciplinary subjects along with vocational courses. With the option of multiple exits and entries into higher education, the students can now pursue education as customised as their own interests. The NEP also serves as a roadmap for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop competency-based courses that can forward the agenda of holistic education for the smart learners of today.
Curriculum Flexibility with Credit TransferAnother strategy for continued and flexible learning put forth by the NEP is that of credit transfer. Now the students will have the flexibility to pursue subjects of their choice, at the level and expertise they desire. At the same time, they will have the facility to transfer their credits from one institution to another, allowing them the mobility and the choice to pursue subjects under specific guidance. For example, a student might want to pursue foundational biology from one institute or faculty but marine biology from another specific institute. The credit transfer facility also allows students to take a gap year to earn experience and then decide on their specialisation.
Vocational Courses and Skill DevelopmentThe NEP integrates various vocational courses as part of learning and development along with other core subjects. Underlining the importance of higher-order skills and vocational training it stresses the need for students to develop analytical thinking, problem-solving, creative application etc. right from schooling. The same focus is carried to higher education with apprenticeship, work-integrated learning modules and industry experience woven in.
Competent and Driven FacultyThe NEP mandates a 4-year B.Ed degree under the National Curriculum Framework Teacher Education (NCFTE). It recommends setting up transparent recruitment procedures and growth trajectories, equipping teachers with the highest skills, giving them freedom for curriculum and instruction design, and incentivising excellence, thereby nurturing driven and competent teachers.
Education for AdultsFor individuals who might have missed educational opportunities earlier in life or are keen to upgrade their skills, the NEP 2020 provides provisions under 5 areas:(a) foundational numeracy and literacy,
(b) vocational skills,
(c) essential life skills such as financial literacy, healthcare etc.,
(d) basic education – middle or secondary stage, and
(e) continuing education – higher education via courses in arts, technology etc.
InternationalisationThrough its work establishing partnerships with international and foreign universities, the NEP 2020 hopes to facilitate student and faculty exchange programs. With its effort to raise the standard of education and exposure in Indian institutes, it also hopes to host international students and become a preferred educational destination around the world.
GER of 50% by 2035The enrolment in higher education stood at 26.3% in 2018. The NEP, with its focus on increasing enrolment in higher education, is looking to add over 3.5 crore seats including those in vocational courses. This will drive the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2035.
Investment in EducationThe NEP reiterated its commitment to allot 6% of the GDP to investment in the educational sector. Even though the earlier educational policies made the same commitment, the actual expenditure amounted to a lower percentage.
Innovation and ResearchLaying emphasis on its agenda to establish India as the global research and innovation hub, the NEP encourages universities to set up research facilities. On its part, the government is setting up Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU) as well as a National Research Foundation (NRF).
Autonomy with AccountabilityTo enhance the quality of higher education, the NEP suggests institutional autonomy for decentralised decision-making. It further lays emphasis on the transparency of a regulatory system that ensures greater accountability of institutions towards the quality, calibre and efficacy of higher education.
Inclusivity and Equity in EducationSimilar to its policy of inclusivity and equity in providing quality foundational education to all segments of society, the NEP stresses the agenda of ensuring inclusive educational environments that offer equal opportunity for quality higher education to all, including those from marginalised segments, lower socio-economic backgrounds, special needs, all genders and abilities.
Setting Up A Regulatory BodyThe NEP recommends dismantling UGC and AICTE and setting up a single regulatory body – Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), responsible for ensuring quality education across all higher educational institutes with the exception of medical and legal sectors.
Merit-Based Financial SupportThe NEP encourages institutions to offer financial support and scholarships to students with merit. It also encapsulates financial aid and support specifically for meritorious students from marginalised segments such as SC, ST, OBCs and SEDGs.
Indian Languages ProgramCarrying forward the multilingualism and language focus of the secondary education stage, the NEP in higher education, encourages the strengthening of Sanskrit and other Indian language departments of HEIs. It also outlines the setting up of the Indian Institution of Translation and Interpretations (IITI) as well as national institutes for Pali, Prakrit and Persian languages.
Educational TechnologySimilar to the language focus, the NEP carries forward the emphasis on using educational technology to assist the teaching-learning process in higher education. It promotes the use of technology for learning, assessments, planning and administration functions of HEIs. It recommends the use of educational technology especially to make quality education accessible to differently-abled or disadvantageous groups, geographically remote locations, and those with limited access to facilities.
Revamped Higher Education ArchitectureA new structure basis the core focus of the educational institutes will take prominence under the NEP. Teaching-intensive universities, research-intensive universities, and autonomous degree colleges will become focal points for multidisciplinary pursuits, quality teaching and community engagement. All affiliations will be phased out over 15 years and institutes will either be categorised as autonomous colleges, universities or colleges under a specific university.
Distance or Open LearningDistance learning will become a large part of adult education focus and access. Through quality multidisciplinary education made available online, distance learning, self-paced learning and open education will gain momentum. This will also assist in driving the GER targets of the policy.
Digital Teaching-Learning ProcessWith the use of educational technology, the teaching and learning process can shift seamlessly to the digital medium. A dedicated body under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) will be tasked with implementing robust digital infrastructure, content and capacity for both HEIs and schools to enable complete online, immersive and hands-on learning experience.
Professional EducationProfessional skill development and vocational education is one of the focal points of the NEP 2020. With this, the policy aims to prepare a large international standard workforce that makes India a powerful human resource centre. All standalone and technical universities (like legal, agricultural, medical etc.) will be encouraged to become multidisciplinary set-ups.
NEP 2020 Implementation
The NEP 2020 is a visionary, ambitious and detailed plan to revamp the Indian education system. It requires a synchronised and stepwise implementation by all key stakeholders, in spirit and letter of the policy. It spells out the objectives, principles and framework for implementation across national, state, district, block and school levels. It further lists out the tasks of various bodies and departments including the central and state governments, educational boards, Institutes etc. For its vision to percolate down to the grassroots levels, NEP 2020 needs careful orchestration and execution by all its stakeholders.
Conclusion
The NEP 2020 is an attempt to catapult the Indian education system into the 21st century. With its enormous scope, it hopes to be the transformation engine leading our country into becoming a global, intellectual force and human resource powerhouse. Leveraging the latest technology and infrastructure, while staying rooted in the Indian ethos, it works on delivering a balanced, robust and cutting-edge educational system.
Last Updated on September 2, 2024
