Training on Developing Life Skills in Young Children on May 29, 2021

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a monumental milestone in the country’s education system. After a long wait of 34 years, NEP 2020 is a welcome step in the right direction, focusing on critical thinking, experiential learning, interactive classrooms, integrated pedagogy, and competency-based education.

Here are some of the ways in which NEP 2020 will fuel India’s journey to becoming a knowledge superpower:-

1. The current 10+2 system to be replaced by a new 5+3+3+4 curricular structure corresponding to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively. This will bring the hitherto uncovered age group of 3-6 years under the school curriculum, which has been recognized globally as the crucial stage for the development of mental faculties of a child. The new system will have 12 years of schooling with three years of Anganwadi/ pre-schooling.The policy extensively focuses on universalizing access from early childhood to higher education, integrating over 20 million out-of-school children, and makes concerted efforts for the socio-economically disadvantaged groups, which will ensure embodying antyodaya.

2. NEP 2020 marks the exit of archaic practices and pedagogy. Theremoval of a rigid distinction between curricular, extracurricular, and co-curricular subjects in school, and the provision of multiple entry and exit options in higher education will make way for fluidity and flexibility for students to hone their skills and interests.
3. The proposal to introduce vocational education from grade 6 onwards and the creation of a National Committee for the Integration of Vocational Education (NCIVE) is a significant move. It will not only minimize the social stigma attached with taking up a vocation as a career in the minds of students and parents but will also expose them to the various career paths including entrepreneurial ventures.
4. The cluster-based approach of developing ‘school complexes,’ periodic assessment of competencies, National Testing Agency for conducting universal entrance examinations, and integration of technology are critical reform measures that will go a long way in bringing about the desired improvement in the quality of school education.
5. The move to set the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) in the education policy is a right step in this direction. HECI will function as a single overarching body with four distinct functions under its ambit, viz Regulation (NHERC), Funding (Higher Education Grants Council), Accreditation (National Accreditation Council), and Setting of Academic Standard (General Education Council). The four institutions will carry out their functions independent of each other.
6. One of the other important aspects of this new policy that is set to fundamentally transform the research landscape of the country is the creation of a National Research Foundation (NRF) that intends to fund allkinds of research proposals having a strong bearing on the nation’s interest. NRF provides a level playing field as it will be open to both public and private sector institutions.

As our young nation strides towards development and advancing our capabilities globally, NEP 2020 is expected shape the lives of India’s future generations.