NEP 2020’s Bagless Days Policy

Over the past few years, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced several groundbreaking reforms with the intent to revolutionize the education system of our country. One such transformative concept that promises to reshape the classroom experience is NEP’s bagless days policy. 

Whether you are an instructor, learner, or even a school administrator, learning about NEP’s bagless days policy is absolutely imperative. In this blog, we take you through the core objectives, implementation strategies, and practical ways to embrace this revolutionary shift in education.   

What Is the Bagless Days Policy Under NEP 2020?

Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, there is a concept known as the “Bagless Days Policy,” which is designed to give students a break from the usual classroom routine.

During this period, students in grades 6 to 8 will spend ten days away from their school bags, engaging in hands-on learning experiences. They will have the chance to intern with local vocational experts like carpenters, gardeners, potters, artists, and others. This initiative aims to give students practical exposure to different skills and careers outside traditional academics.

As per the guidelines, students and teachers typically spend about six hours a day at school, which adds up to over 1,000 hours in a year. The policy emphasises that at least 10 days, or around 60 hours, of school time, should be dedicated to these activities. This initiative aims to connect learning with real-world skills, making education more practical and enriching for students.

Bagless Day Policy Alignment with NEP 2020 Goals

The 10 Bagless Days initiative aligns well with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes a shift from rote learning to a more engaging, experience-based approach to education. NEP 2020 focuses on promoting critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills among students. The Bagless Days are a step in this direction, offering students opportunities for hands-on learning through activities like arts and crafts, field trips, and visits to cultural or historical sites, rather than being confined to traditional textbook-based learning.

“The idea behind 10 bagless days is to make them an integral part of the teaching-learning process rather than an add-on to the existing scheme of studies of education from classes 6-8. It will not only reduce the boundaries between the bookish knowledge and application of knowledge but also expose children to the skill requirements in the work areas, thus helping them to decide the future career path,” the guidelines stated.

By focusing on real-world activities and skills, Bagless Days helps students connect their learning with practical experiences. This approach encourages them to explore different interests and skills, helping them in making informed decisions about their future career choices. The goal is to create a learning environment that goes beyond textbooks, allowing students to develop a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Main Objectives of the Bagless Days Policy

Earlier this year, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) introduced guidelines for bagless days in middle schools. The goal is to reduce stress and make learning a more enjoyable experience. The idea is to move beyond traditional exams, allowing students to actively engage in their own learning and development.

“The child needs to be prepared for the ‘World of Work’, and a work-centered pedagogy can be pursued with increasing complexity while always being enriched with the required flexibility and contextuality,” the guidelines added.

The 10 bagless days are designed to offer students a chance to learn through activities that are both fun and meaningful. Some of the objectives are:

• To build practical skills through observation and hands-on learning.
• To help students understand how communities work together and depend on each other.
• To link classroom learning with real-world applications.
• To encourage respect for work by involving students in local trades and activities such as carpentry, gardening, or pottery.
• To provide opportunities for students to meet and learn from local artisans, promoting the idea of supporting local talent.
• To give students a glimpse into different career paths and educational opportunities for their future.

Strategies for Implementing 10 Bagless Days at School

“Ten bagless days activities can be accommodated in any number of slots in an annual calendar. But it is advisable to keep two or three slots. While developing an annual work plan, all subject teachers may be involved. If necessary, indoor and outdoor activities may be clubbed in a day,” the guidelines stated.

A key aspect that teachers need to understand is that introducing students to 10 bagless days in an educational setting involves not just shedding the backpack but also shedding conventional teaching practices. The idea is to promote hands-on learning, practical projects, a creative mindset, and critical thinking outside the confines of textbooks. When students are exposed to learning in the real world through outdoor explorations, activity-based workshops, etc., it ignites curiosity and fosters valuable life skills. 

For the implementation of this innovative policy, a hands-on teaching-learning curriculum has been developed. This module consists of 10 activities, some of which involve experiential projects, field visits, guest sessions by local artisans, demonstrations, workshops with professionals/artists/skilled workers, and so on. 

So, while teachers have a well-designed curriculum to go by, here are some implementation strategies mentioned in the policy that they should know about:

1. The policy advises schools to develop a class-wise range for the weight of a student’s bag, which should not exceed more than 10% of their body weight. Schools should conduct routine checks to ensure that students are not carrying extremely heavy backpacks. 
2. Administrators and teachers must work together to develop a timetable that provides a day-wise breakdown of the books to be carried. 
3. Students should be encouraged to share textbooks to save them from having to carry around everything. 
4. Teachers should develop and plan the schedule of activities based on the learning outcomes they are looking to target. 

List of Bagless Day Activities with An Example

As discussed earlier, Bagless Days offers students a chance to learn beyond traditional classroom settings, focusing on practical experiences that connect them with the world around them. The program is divided into three main themes, each designed to expose students to new areas of knowledge and skill development.

1. Science, Environment, and Technology – This theme offers students the opportunity to explore natural sciences and modern technologies. Activities can include studying local flora and fauna, experimenting with soil and water quality, and learning about sustainable energy through visits to solar energy and biogas plants. Students also engage with concepts like robotics, artificial intelligence, data science, and cyber security, as well as practical activities such as drone flying and waste management.
2. Public Service, Local Business, and Industry – This theme provides students with a practical understanding of how various sectors function in their community. Visits to public offices like the panchayat, as well as institutions like banks, hospitals, and post offices, give students a real-world look at local governance and services. Students may also tour industries such as dairy farms, construction sites, or other businesses to see how these operations support their community.
3. Art, Culture, and History – In this theme, students get to explore creative and cultural aspects of their heritage. Activities might include learning traditional crafts such as jute or bamboo work, or engaging in artistic activities like dance, puppetry, or drama. History comes alive through visits to cultural landmarks, such as national monuments, or historical sites like the Sanchi Stupa, providing an enriching experience outside the classroom.

Teachers can adapt the activities to suit local needs and interests. Here are some examples of Bagless Day activities:

• Visiting monuments and museums to learn about history and culture.
• Creating crafts from materials like jute or bamboo encourages creativity and recycling.
• Participating in “Best out of Waste” projects to promote environmental awareness.
• Joining educational games and sports to develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Focusing on hygiene and cleanliness to teach students how to care for their surroundings.
• Taking part in environmental activities like planting trees or sorting waste.
• Enjoying cultural events like music, dance, and drama to celebrate traditions.
• Learning about technology through activities like animation, graphics, and even fashion design.
• Taking part in value-based education activities to foster social responsibility.
• Celebrating national festivals through creative activities and performances.
• Meeting local artisans to learn about traditional crafts and skills.
• Working on group projects that encourage collaboration and creativity.
• Exploring technologies like Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Example of a Bagless Day Activity

Name of the Activity: Visit to a Fire Station

Activity Type: Outdoor

Time Duration: 1.5 Hours

Skills to be Developed:

• Observing and understanding details
• Awareness of safety practices
• Solving problems in practical situations
• Teamwork and communication

Learning Outcomes:

• Learn about the equipment and tools used by firefighters.
• Understand what firefighters do and the responsibilities they handle.
• Gain an understanding of emergency procedures and how they are carried out.
• Learn simple fire safety tips and ways to prevent fires.

Materials Needed:

• Notebook and pen
• Comfortable clothes
• Water bottle

Instructions for Teacher:

• Contact the local fire station and get permission for the visit ahead of time.
• Give students a short briefing about firefighting and safety measures before the trip.
• Encourage students to observe carefully and think about the work firefighters do.
• Help them take notes on the tools, vehicles, and other equipment they see.

Instructions for Students:

• Observe how firefighters use their tools and equipment during emergencies.
• Take notes on different safety steps and emergency response methods.
• Talk respectfully with the firefighters and learn about their daily tasks and experiences.
• Stay quiet during demonstrations and follow all safety instructions.
• Stay with your group at all times and listen carefully to your teacher’s guidance.

Methodology:

• Let students know about the trip beforehand and explain what is expected of them during the visit.
• During the visit, allow them to explore different parts of the fire station, such as the fire engines or the equipment storage areas.
• Motivate them to interact with firefighters and ask about their routines, the training they undergo, and challenges they face.
• Discuss the importance of being prepared for emergencies and knowing fire prevention measures.

Assessment:

• How well students observe and pay attention during the visit
• Their ability to ask meaningful questions and engage with firefighters
• Quality and accuracy of their notes and reflections on the visit
• How responsibly do they follow safety guidelines and stay on task

Career Opportunities:

• Firefighter
• Fire inspector
• Safety officer
• Emergency medical technician (EMT)
• A dispatcher for emergency services
• Specialist in fire and safety engineering

Challenges of Implementing Bagless Days

1. Weather Conditions

In many parts of North India, outdoor activities are limited for much of the year due to extreme weather. High temperatures, humidity, and frequent rain often force students to stay indoors, reducing opportunities for outdoor learning.

2. Operational Difficulties

Organising a day without school bags for large student groups can be logistically complex. Schools would need to address concerns like student safety, managing transportation, providing extra materials, and creating detailed schedules to make the day run smoothly.

3. Teacher Preparedness

While activities on such days can encourage learning through different methods, they require thorough planning and specific resources. Teachers also need proper training to guide these activities and make the most of the time available. In many cases, schools cannot train staff adequately for such events.

4. Resource Limitations

Schools might face difficulties in arranging the materials or infrastructure needed for diverse activities. Without sufficient resources, it could be hard to create a rich and engaging experience for students.

5. Family Support

Some activities may require contributions or involvement from parents. This could create challenges, especially for families with limited financial resources or those who cannot spare the time to participate.

6. Organising Trips

For schools planning trips or excursions as part of bagless days, additional expenses like transport and entry fees can arise. Careful coordination would also be needed to ensure these activities are safe and well-organised.

Ultimately, implementing 10 bagless days every school year not only reduces the weight on students’ shoulders but also enriches them with practical knowledge from the real world. It provides them with the opportunity to learn unique skills and foster their creativity by focusing on vocational subjects. It presents a valuable opportunity to prioritize students’ interests, well-being, and academic growth. 

Moreover, focusing on the holistic development of students is a crucial step towards cultivating an equitable and healthy school environment. But, what makes the school environment a productive space for students? Fun and engaging learning experiences. To redefine the teaching-learning process in the online world, check out Extramarks– a 360-degree digital learning platform that offers access to cutting-edge edtech tools, transforming the academic experience for both teachers and learners. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many bagless days are there in school?

As per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, students from classes 6 to 8 should have 10 days during the academic year when they do not carry school bags.

2. How can learning loss be avoided on bagless days in school?

To ensure students continue to learn on bagless days, schools can focus on hands-on activities, practical lessons, or interactive sessions. This approach allows students to engage with the subject matter in different ways, making the day productive while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable.

Last Updated on January 9, 2025