The union cabinet finally approved the long-awaited and much-debated New Education Policy (NEP) at a meeting presided over by the prime minister on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. From 2021, the proposed policy will take effect.
This is a significant step forward for India’s education system. It will bring about massive reform and change in the country and its people.
India is about to bring dramatic changes to its education system to become a global power. The recent changes were made to put an end to 34 years of education policies. The new system, which is still being put into place, includes an emphasis on online learning, more school hours and a shift away from rote learning.
What is the New Education Policy 2022?
It is a truism that you cannot have quality without quantity. Moreover, while there is a good argument for encouraging students to be involved in a broad spectrum of activities, the fact is that there is a certain amount of specialization that can make life more comfortable for all of us.
The new education policy focuses on students’ individual needs. It aims to provide them with access to a world-class education. The policy also aims to create a more flexible and adaptive education system that can meet the needs of students and the economy.
Vocational Education is part of the New Education Policy 2020. It includes teaching the mother tongue and regional languages up to the 5th year of schooling. Training in vocational skills will be included from the 6th class onwards.
The comprehensive 360-degree approach allows teachers to observe the learner and measure progress in different ways, such as through self-reporting or measuring the learner’s achievement on multiple competencies and skills. This also allows them to use the most effective methods in their classrooms. With a comprehensive 360-degree progress card, improvement of assessment and tracking of student progress to achieve learning outcomes, etc., is also included.
With the help of this new education scheme, the Government aims to bring over two million students into the mainstream and reach 100% GER by the end of the century.
The New Education Policy (NEP 2020) lays down objectives for improving the quality of the education system. The policy aims at creating a “global knowledge superpower” in the field of education. The policy also makes it mandatory for schools and colleges to make their curriculum flexible and holistic.
Who Created New Education Policy?
A committee of experts led by former ISRO Chief K. Kasturirangan has discussed the issues and changes in the Indian education system – from primary school to college to the workplace. The committee suggested that the Government develop a New Education Policy to impart skills to the youth of India. These suggestions were reviewed, accepted, and implemented by the Ministry.
New Education Policy Highlights
- The Government has announced that all higher education institutes (HEIs) will be governed by a single regulator, except the Medical and Law Colleges. HEIs now have to answer to a new body, the Office for Students.
- The master’s degree (MPhil) course will no longer be required.
- Students will now be tested on their abilities to apply concepts to solving real problems rather than on how well they remember things from books.
- As a result of the recent changes in higher education, the public and private universities will both be governed by the same regulations.
- In order to make it easier for students to learn regional languages, instruction in the first five grades will be taught in those languages instead of English.
- The school curriculum in India has been updated to incorporate more core concepts and vocational education.
- A few other changes to the school curriculum structure include a move away from 10 + 2 to a 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 system.
Major Reform in New Education Policy
- School board examinations will continue in 10th and 12th classes and be redesigned to be more holistic and developmental.
- PARAKH is a new national assessment platform. It will assess students’ learning and help them to analyze their strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and potentials.
- The new system will focus on strengthening the local language/regional language and mother tongue as a medium of education. It will be available for grades 1 to 5.
- This policy will also align with the Government’s intent to focus on the local language/regional language.
- Sanskrit will be available to all students as an option for their education, with three language formulas, at school and college levels.
- Vocational education will start in school, starting with grade 6, also known as middle school. Internships will be a part of that vocational education curriculum as well.
- There are plans for literature in India and other classical languages as an option.
- Students who pursue those degrees will have the freedom to choose which language they wish to study and what they want to study within that language. The same goes for those pursuing degrees in other disciplines like science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- Higher education will receive flexibility in subjects. There will be multiple entry points and exit points for all students.
- UG programmed courses can range in duration from three to four years. The minimum duration required to get a certificate is one year. However, students can opt for a different route if they want to, such as obtaining a two-year Advanced Diploma or getting a B. Tech degree.
- The new system will be student-centric, where all subjects’ education is reduced to its core essentials.
- For education, they are looking at ways to make learning more meaningful and less rote. They focus on critical thinking, discovery, inquiry, discussion, and teaching. Moreover, they will also consider the needs of students who might have exceptional circumstances.
- Academic bank of credit (ABC) will be created as a digital recognition awarded for a student’s academic performance. ABC can allow universities to verify an institution’s credits, or schools can use it to reward or recognize students. It can help to keep track of the credits each student has earned over time.
- NEP focuses on critical thinking, discovery, inquiry, discussion, and teaching based on analysis and holistic learning methods.
- Regulators for higher education will be light but tight.
- Focus on online learning to ensure that students are educated to the highest standard. In the new system, e-learning will be expanded to include online courses, which will provide flexibility in terms of location and time for students.
- By the end of 2040, they aim that all universities will become multidisciplinary institutions, each of which will have 3000 or more students.
- College affiliation will be phased out in the coming years (next 15 years).
- At least one oversized multidisciplinary HEI (higher education institution) should be built-in or near every district by 2030.
- This is one of the ways we can make our schools more connected to their communities and provide them with growth opportunities. The goal is to help create 100% youth and adult literacy.
The New Education Policy (NEP) In India
The New Education Policy (NEP) aims at promoting excellence in quality education to realize the potential of every student in the country. As we continue to focus on building the foundation of quality education, we are also working to ensure a quality learning environment for students by bringing about changes in teacher training.
New Education Policy: 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 Education Structure
- Pre-primary education is for children from three to six years old. This two-year course of learning aims to prepare children for primary school. In these two years of schooling, children are taught in Anganwadi or community-based nurseries free of charge.
- The emphasis of the school year will be on the early years. From three to six years of age, children will be engaged in activities that build their understanding and problem-solving skills.
- At this stage, children will be taught science, mathematics, arts, etc., through experiments. Children from 8 to 11 years old will be covered.
- Middle stage students will be taught from grades six through eight, focusing on the core curriculum. Skills Development courses will start in middle school.
- The secondary stage from the ninth to twelfth class will be studied in two phases, where a series of lessons will be available to the students. The freedom to choose subjects and take an individualized approach to learning will also be available.
- This system was not in preschool in government schools. It was a traditional education that included grades 1 through 10, and then you were free to take courses in the 11th grade.
1. Single Regulations For All Levels Of School Education
The NEP focuses on providing universal access to education at all levels, from preschool to higher education. It aims to provide better education to all, particularly those who were previously denied such opportunities.
In order to reduce the number of dropouts, colleges and schools are looking for ways to attract more applicants and keep the ones they have. They are also taking the opportunity to help those who do not attend college and provide them with the skills needed to thrive in the workforce.
Various approaches can facilitate multiple learning paths that involve formal and non-formal education modes.
Grade 3, 5 and 8 students will get open learning and open schools with no charge to the parents. The equivalent secondary school grade levels, 10 and 12, will also be open to all. There will be no tuition charged to them either.
The introduction of vocational courses in the school curriculum aims to increase students’ employability by exposing them to new skills.
2. New Curriculum For Early Childhood Care And Education
NEP is planning to replace the 10+2 system with a 5+3+3+4 structure. This would entail 12 years of schooling with 3 years of pre-primary (preschool) education and 3 years of preschool education. 3-6 years of age is globally recognized as the crucial age for the child’s mental development.
In order to provide a better balance between the old and the new curriculum, the new structure will have corresponded with the older age groups as well. This will ensure that children aged 3, 6 and 9 will benefit from a more comprehensive and balanced program. In contrast, those aged 10, 12, 14 and 16 are offered the opportunity to develop at their individual pace.
- NCERT will create a national Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education (NCPFECCE) for children up to 8 years old.
- Strengthened educational systems like Anganwadis and Kindergartens will focus on early childhood education and care.
- Anganwadi workers and kindergarten teachers will be trained in the use of curricula and pedagogy best suited for children up to 8 years old.
- Ministries of Human Resource Development, Health and Family Welfare (HFW), Women and Child Development (WCD) and Tribal Affairs will collectively administer the early childhood education.
3. Pivot On Base Literacy
According to the National Education Policy, the Ministry of Human Resource Development plans to establish a National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in India.
The states will be responsible for implementing a program to attain foundational literacy and numeracy for students till class 3 in all primary schools. Each state will decide on their course of action, which could include changing its education policy.
4. Changes in The Process Of Teacher’s Recruitment
In order to improve teaching quality, a comprehensive reform plan is being implemented in India. This includes creating a single teacher evaluation system and common national professional standards. It also aims to improve the quality of education and students’ lives.
Changes Made in Higher Education
50% Increase In GER
The NEP (New Education Policy) aims to increase the GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) from 26.3% to 50%. This policy would require an increase in the number of students studying in higher education and an expansion of the number of university places.
Interdisciplinary General Education
The policy gives a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and broad-based college education with flexible study plans, more choices in choosing subjects, and more flexibility to leave the course with an accredited degree. It will now be possible for undergrads to choose the number of years they want with the appropriate degree.
The license type is based on how long the user has been using a license. The price per year is decided depending on the length of the license. A 3-year license will be free of charge, and a 4-year license will cost.
Regulations or Systems
The Higher Education Commission of India will have a board, an interim committee, an Academic Council, and a technical committee. The Prime Minister of India will chair the Interim Committee. There will be 14 members, seven of them elected from the general public. The Board will be in charge of all government universities. The Interim Committee will be in charge of the day-to-day running of the Board.
Essay on New Education Policy
The proposed new Education Policy lays down guiding principles for making education meaningful, accessible, acceptable, and affordable for all. It aims at ensuring equity, social justice, and participation in the decision-making process by the parents, communities, and stakeholders.
The proposed policy dwells on the role of education in improving the quality of life of our people and the need to bring in a broad-based change in the way education is perceived and delivered. It lays down the principles of education that will make it an instrument of social and economic change. It emphasizes the need to ensure that the policy is responsive to the constant demands of change and innovation and is anchored in our national values.
Speech on New Education Policy
Accept it! Education is indeed changing with technology. And we should embrace this change and not feel threatened by it. Students should be encouraged to learn, not just at school but also outside it. We have to shift our focus from grades to learning. Having said that, schools should be encouraged to be more creative to match the pace of growth with technology and innovation. Many schools are already doing this, but it is not widespread yet. Innovation should be welcome in the education system and not only in the market.
Video credit- Finology Legal
FAQs
1. When Will New Education Policy Be Implemented?
There is no specific time frame for implementing a new education policy. However, the NEP-2020 will be implemented entirely by the year 2025.
2. New Education Policy 2020: What Is 5 3 3 4?
The new 5+3+3+4 School Structure will comprise 12 years of schooling, three years of preschool, Anganwadi (or Balvatika) and four years of higher secondary school.
3. Where to download New Education Policy 2022 Pdf?
You can read and download the complete policy guidelines here.
4. What is New Education Policy 2020 Summary?
New Education Policy 2020 in India aims to achieve the goal of inclusive and equitable quality education for all and is a part of the National Education Mission. The focus is on integrating the teaching of vocational skills into the academic curriculum, enhancing the importance of work-integrated learning, and the engagement of social institutions in developing the capacities of children.
The new education policy will focus on promoting continuous and comprehensive education to make school education relevant and effective. The policy will focus on education below the age of 14 and seek to give children the right to affordable education of good quality. The policy also emphasizes promoting spoken and written language and will also focus on providing quality education to all marginalized sections of society.
5. Is the 10th Board Removed in New Education Policy?
Yes, the 10th board is removed from the New Education Policy. This is done to make the education system better. The board is a waste of time, and most importantly, the education system should be based on students’ interests and passions.
The government has introduced Honors and General courses so that the students can opt for their preferred courses. In the honors courses, the students are free to choose the subjects they are interested in. The government has also introduced vocational courses so that the students can learn a skill or a trade. These courses are important in today’s economy.
6. What is the New Education Policy Committee?
The government has announced a draft to replace the old education policy. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2017 will be crafted by the new education policy committee. The draft, which the HRD Ministry is preparing, will be finalized in the new NEP-2020. The current National Education Policy was drafted in 1986, and it is due for revision. The draft of the new education policy will be prepared by the 15-member drafting committee headed by K Kasturirangan, former chief of the Indian Space Research Organization and former chairman of the University Grants Commission.
