The National New Education Policy was introduced by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The National Education Policy was released on July 29th, 2020, after being approved by the Union Cabinet.
India is in the process of making substantial changes to its education system to establish itself as a global power. The recent modifications were implemented to replace 34 years of previous educational policies. The new system, which is still being put into action, focuses on online learning, increased school hours, and a shift away from rote learning.
The New Education Policy replaces the 34-year-old National Education Policy (NEP) that was formulated in 1986. The National Education Policy (NEP) was first formulated in 1986, and subsequently revised in 1992 and 1998.
New Education Policy
The New Education Policy focuses on revolutionizing the current education system by incorporating modern teaching methodologies, embracing technology, and promoting skill-based learning. It aims to make education more inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all, with a special emphasis on marginalized communities.
The policy emphasizes the development of 21st-century skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It also proposes the establishment of new institutions, such as digital universities, and the use of technology to support students in learning.
One of the most significant changes introduced by the New Education Policy is the transition from the traditional 10+2 education structure to a new 5+3+3+4 education system. The goal of this new system is to make education more flexible and all-encompassing, with a focus on basic skills, critical thinking, and life skills.
#NEP2020 #NEP20 @NEP2020 @EduMinOfIndia pic.twitter.com/PYB0XebAvJ
— National Education Policy 2020 (@NEP2020) April 23, 2022
A key objective of the new education policy is to establish India as a global knowledge superpower by promoting research and innovation, enhancing the quality of education, and ensuring access to education for all. The NEP 2020 further aspires to raise the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2035, a significant increase from approximately 26% in 2019.
The new education policy for 2022-23 signifies a major shift in India’s approach to education, placing a stronger emphasis on flexibility, critical thinking, and skill development. These changes, it is hoped, will better prepare the upcoming generation of Indians for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
New Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) Highlights
The New Education Policy aims to provide quality and equitable education to all children in India. Some of the key highlights of the policy are as follows:
- The policy emphasizes providing quality and affordable education to all children in the age group of 3–18 years.
- It focuses on holistic and multidisciplinary education instead of rote learning.
- Students will no longer be graded on how well they remember information from books, but on how well they can use what they know to solve problems in the real world.
- It emphasizes that the three-language formula will be followed in schools, focusing on the regional language, Hindi, and English.
- 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 has been changed to teach more fundamental ideas and skills.
- The policy is primarily concerned with how to use technology to make education more accessible and useful.
- It envisages a system where there is no distinction between rural and urban areas, and all children have access to quality education.
- The policy proposes several measures to improve the quality of teaching, including mandatory teacher eligibility tests, teacher professional development programs, and teacher education programs at the elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
- The policy also focuses on giving students vocational and technical education, ensuring they are better prepared for the workforce when they leave school.
- A National Higher Education Regulatory Council will be established under the policy to oversee the regulation of higher education institutions.
- The policy seeks to provide greater autonomy to higher education institutions and promote academic mobility. Consequently, both public and private universities will be governed by the same regulations.
- A new 5+3+3+4 education structure will be introduced by this policy, moving away from the current 10+2 system.
- It aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education to 50% by 2035.
- The government has announced that a single regulator will govern all higher education institutes (HEIs), with the exception of Medical and Law Colleges. HEIs will now have to answer to a new body, the Office for Students.
- The Master’s degree (MPhil) course will no longer be required.
Major Reform in New Education Policy
- School board examinations will continue for 10th and 12th classes, but they will be redesigned to be more holistic and developmental.
- PARAKH, a new national assessment platform, will be introduced to assess students’ learning and help them analyze their strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and potentials.
- The new system will emphasize the use of local or regional languages and the mother tongue as a medium of education for grades 1 to 5.
- This policy aligns with the Government’s intent to focus on local and regional languages.
- Sanskrit will be available as an option for all students under the three-language formula at both high school and college levels.
- Vocational education will be introduced starting from grade 6, also known as middle school. Internships will be incorporated into the vocational education curriculum.
- The policy includes plans to offer Indian literature and other classical languages as options for students.
- Students pursuing degrees in these languages will have the freedom to choose the specific language they wish to study and the topics within that language. This freedom extends to students pursuing degrees in other disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Higher education will experience increased flexibility in subjects, with multiple entry and exit points available for all students.
- Undergraduate programs can range in duration from three to four years. A one-year certificate will be the minimum duration required, but students can choose alternative routes, such as obtaining a two-year advanced diploma or earning a B. Tech. degree.
- The new system will prioritize students, focusing on teaching only the most important parts of each subject.
- The policy aims to make education more meaningful and less reliant on rote learning. The focus will be on critical thinking, discovery, inquiry, discussion, and teaching. Additionally, the needs of students with exceptional circumstances will be considered.
- The Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) will be established as a digital recognition awarded for a student’s academic performance. ABC can enable universities to verify an institution’s credits, or schools can use it to reward or recognize students. It can help keep track of the credits each student has earned over time.
- According to the NEP, learning should be holistic, joyful, stress-free, and a lifelong process.
- The policy emphasizes critical thinking, exploration, asking questions, engaging in discussions, and teaching based on analysis and comprehensive learning.
- Regulations for higher education will be light but tight.
- The policy emphasizes online learning to ensure that students receive education of the highest standard. The new system will expand e-learning to include online courses, providing flexibility in terms of location and time for students.
- By the end of 2040, the aim is to have all universities become multidisciplinary institutions, with each accommodating 3000 or more students.
- College affiliation will be gradually phased out over the next 15 years.
- By 2030, there should be at least one large multidisciplinary Higher Education Institution (HEI) built in or near every district.
- This approach will help schools become more connected to their communities and provide them with growth opportunities. The goal is to assist in achieving 100% youth and adult literacy.
National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020)
The New National Education Policy 2020 is a set of guidelines and recommendations issued by the Government of India to reform and improve the country’s education system.
The New National Education Policy (NEP 2020) aims to make India a global leader in education by improving access, equity, and quality of education at all levels, from early childhood education to higher education and vocational training.
The NEP 2020 also emphasizes the importance of developing 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving in all students.
To achieve these goals, the New Education Policy suggests several changes to the education system, including the introduction of a new National Curriculum Framework, the establishment of a new National Education Commission, and the setting up of a new National Testing Agency.
New Education Policy 2020 Schools System: 5+3+3+4 Education Structure
The New Education Policy 2020 has introduced a new education structure, 5+3+3+4, which will replace the existing 10+2 system. This new structure focuses on foundational learning for the first five years of schooling, followed by three years of preparatory schooling, three years of middle stage schooling, and four years of secondary education.
New 5+3+3+4 Education System
The new education school system in India 2020 introduced a 5+3+3+4 education structure. The 5+3+3+4 education structure is a major change from the previous education system in India, which was a 10+2 system. In the new system, students will spend more time in school overall, but the number of years spent in each stage of education will be reduced.
10+2 System 5+3+3+4 System
Structure Existing Academic Structure New Academic Structure
Stages 2 Stages 4 Stages
Age Period 6-18 Year 3-18 Year
Time Period 12 School Year 15 Year (12 School Year + 3 Pre-School Year)
Stage Wise • First Stage - Age 6-16 Years (Class 1-10)
• Second Stage - Age 16-18 Years (Class 11-12)
• Foundational Stage - 3 Years (Pre-School) (Age 3-6) + 2 Years (Class 1 to 2) (Age 6-8) = 5 Year
• Preparatory Stage - 3 Years (Class 3 to 5) (Age 8-11)
• Middle Stage - 3 Years (Class 6 to 8) (Age 11-14)
• Secondary Stage - 4 Years (Class 9 to 12) (Age 14-18)
Below is the detailed overview of the new educational structure:
Foundational Stage (5 years)
The foundation stage will cover the first five years of a child’s education. In the first 3 years of education, children will be taught in Anganwadi, Balvatika, or community-based nurseries.
During the other two years of school, they will learn basic skills and knowledge through play-based and activity-based learning on different levels.
Preparatory Stage (3 years)
The preparatory stage will be from ages 8 to 11 and focus on foundational learning, including developing basic literacy and numeracy skills among students. The preparatory stage will help students develop their understanding of concepts in various subjects.
Middle Stage (3 years)
The middle stage will be from ages 11 to 14. During the middle stage, students will be expected to develop core academic skills such as reading, writing, and basic language competencies. They will also be expected to develop life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Secondary Stage (4 years)
The secondary stage will be from ages 14 to 18. During this stage, students will be expected to complete a core curriculum consisting of English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
In addition, they will have the opportunity to choose from a range of electives, including languages, arts, and vocational subjects. The secondary stage aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to prepare for further education or enter the workforce.
Major Changes Under New National Education Policy
Under the new National Education Policy, significant changes have been made to the school education system in India. Some of the most notable changes are:
1. Single Regulations for All Levels of School Education
The New Education Policy (NEP) of India aims to provide universal access to education for all students, including those in Class 5. The policy focuses on providing better educational opportunities to all students, including those who may have previously been denied such opportunities.
To reduce the number of students dropping out of school, schools and colleges are looking for ways to attract more students and keep the ones they have. This may involve offering multiple learning paths that involve both formal and non-formal education modes.
As part of the NEP 2020, Students in grades 3, 5, and 8 will be able to attend open learning and open schools for free. The equivalent secondary school grade levels, 10 and 12, will also be available to all students without any tuition fees. The NEP also introduces vocational courses in the school curriculum to help increase students’ employability by exposing them to new skills and techniques.
2. New Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education
The New Education Policy (NEP) of India introduced a new curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). The policy emphasizes the importance of providing high-quality ECCE to children aged 3–6 years, as it lays the foundation for their overall development and learning.
The new ECCE curriculum focuses on providing children with a holistic, play-based learning experience that promotes physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. It includes activities such as storytelling, singing, art and craft, games, sports, and outdoor and nature-based activities. Research has shown that children learn better in their native language, so the curriculum also encourages teaching in the mother tongue or the local language.
The new ECCE curriculum also aims to improve the quality of ECCE centers in the country by setting standards for infrastructure, teacher qualifications, and the ratio of children to teachers. It also emphasizes the importance of involving parents and communities in the education of young children.
The new education policy 2020 has proposed in numerous changes in school education. Some of the major changes are listed below:
- The new policy has eliminated the rigid 10+2 structure of education and replaced it with a new 5+3+3+4 structure.
- The new policy emphasizes the holistic development of students; hence, the curriculum has been redesigned accordingly.
- Strengthened educational systems like Anganwadis and Kindergartens will focus on early childhood education and care.
- Anganwadi workers and kindergarten teachers will be trained on how to use curriculum and teaching methods that are best for kids up to age 8.
- The new policy also emphasizes vocational education and skill development.
- Under the new policy, students will be able to choose the classes they want to take and won’t have to stick to one stream.
- The policy aims to make education more affordable and accessible to all.
- NCERT will create a national framework for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for children up to 8 years old.
- Early childhood education will be administered by the Ministries of Human Resource Development, Health and Family Welfare (HFW), Women and Child Development (WCD), and Tribal Affairs.
These are just some of the many proposed changes that are set to transform school education in India. Implementing these changes will require a concerted effort from all teachers, including parents, students, and the government. But if they are successful, they have the potential to improve the quality of children’s education in India significantly.
3. Pivot on Base Literacy
The NEP strongly emphasizes the development of basic literacy and numeracy skills in school education. It recognizes that these skills are essential for students to succeed in higher levels of education and their future careers. The NEP also emphasizes the importance of developing strong reading and writing skills in students, as these are critical for lifelong learning and personal development.
To support the development of basic literacy and numeracy skills, the NEP recommends several strategies and initiatives, including:
- Reading and Writing: The NEP recommends that reading and writing be given a lot of attention in the first few years of school, especially when it comes to developing phonemic awareness and phonics skills.
- Multilingualism: The NEP recognizes the importance of multilingualism in India and recommends using the mother tongue or home language as the medium of instruction in the early years of education. This will help to ensure that children have a strong foundation in their language and are better able to learn additional languages.
- Remedial Education: The NEP recommends implementing remedial education programs to support students struggling with basic literacy and numeracy skills. These programs will help to ensure that no child is left behind and that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
4. Changes in the Process of Teacher’s Recruitment
The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has brought about several changes in the process of teacher recruitment in school education. Some of the key changes that are likely to be implemented include:
- Emphasis on Holistic Development: The NEP 2020 emphasizes the importance of holistic development and teachers’ role in nurturing students’ overall development. So, the process of hiring teachers will focus on finding people who are smart and have skills like communication, critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
- National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST): The NEP 2020 has introduced the NPST, which sets the minimum standards for teachers across the country. The NPST defines teachers’ roles, responsibilities, and competencies at different levels of education. The recruitment process will consider these standards while selecting teachers.
- Greater use of Technology: The NEP 2020 advocates using technology in the recruitment process to make it more efficient and transparent. This could involve using online platforms to advertise vacancies and accept applications as well as using technology to assess candidates’ skills and competencies.
- Changes to teacher training: The NEP 2020 also proposes significant changes to how teachers are trained and prepared for the classroom. This could include the introduction of more rigorous and relevant teacher training programs as well as opportunities for ongoing professional development.
- Greater Accountability and Evaluation: The NEP 2020 emphasizes the importance of teacher accountability and performance evaluation. As part of the hiring process, there may be a bigger focus on evaluating candidates’ skills, abilities, and ability to meet students’ needs.
Changes Made in Higher Education Under New National Education Policy
1. 50% Increase In GER
The NEP (New Education Policy) aims to increase the GER (Gross Enrollment Ratio) from 26.3% to 50%. This policy would require increasing the number of students studying in higher education and expanding the number of university places.
2. Interdisciplinary General Education
The policy provides 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 the license. The price per year is decided depending on the length of the license. A three-year license will be free, but a four-year license will be paid for.
3. 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 whom will be elected by 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.
4. Rationalized Institutional Architecture
The NEP 2020 proposes a rationalized institutional architecture for the education system, ensuring that all institutions are aligned with the National Education Goals. Under this architecture, the National Higher Education Regulatory Authority (NHERA) will be in charge of regulating all colleges and universities that offer higher education, except for medical and law schools.
The University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) will be replaced by the NHERA.
The National Higher Education Regulatory Authority (NHERA) will be in charge of accreditation, quality assurance, and promoting research and innovation. NHERA and the National Accreditation Board (NAB) will work together to make sure that all higher education institutions (HEIs) are accredited.
NHERA will also create quality assurance standards and procedures for all HEIs to follow. Furthermore, by developing policies and programs, NHERA will promote higher education research and innovation.
New Education Policy 2020 Summary
The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a comprehensive policy document that aims to bring about comprehensive reforms in the Indian education system. Some of the key features of the NEP 2020 are as follows:
- The NEP 2020 focuses on a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education, which is meant to help students learn how to think critically, be creative, and solve problems.
- The goal of the policy is to make education more open and available to everyone. This will be done by making more quality education available in regional languages, promoting the use of technology in education, and making higher education institutions more accessible.
- The goal of the NEP 2020 is to change the education system at all levels, from elementary school to higher education.
- The policy aims to make the education system better and more accountable by encouraging teachers to keep learning and improve their skills, making the assessment and evaluation system better, and setting up a National Testing Agency to run standard tests.
- The NEP 2020 emphasizes the need for education to be closely aligned with the needs of the economy and society and aims to promote interdisciplinary and applied learning as well as entrepreneurship and innovation.
- The goal of the policy is to make education more international and to get more students, teachers, and ideas from other countries.
- The NEP 2020 wants to set up a National Education Commission (NEC) to oversee how the policy is carried out and make sure it stays relevant and meets the changing needs of the country.
The NEP 2020 aims to bring about comprehensive reforms in the Indian education system to make it more inclusive, holistic, and responsive to the needs of the economy and society.
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FAQs
1. What is the NEP full form?
The full form of NEP is the National Education Policy.
2. When is full form of NPE?
The full form of NPE is National Policy on Education.
3. What is NCPF full form in NEP?
The NCPF full form in NEP is the “National Curricular and Pedagogical Framework” for Early Childhood Care and Education.
4. Who created New Education Policy?
The National Education Policy 2020 was created by a nine-member panel committee appointed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The panel was headed by Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, a former Indian Space Research Organization chairman.
5. Who is the chairman of National Education Policy 2022?
The Chairman of the New Education Policy is Dr. K. Kasturirangan., former chief of the Indian Space Research Organization and former chairman of the University Grants Commission.
6. Who are the members of the NEP Committee?
NEP Committee was formed under the chairmanship of Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan. The NEP Committee consists of Shri. Manjul Bhargava, Professor at Princeton University (USA), Shri. K.J. Alphonse, Director, LPSC, Shri. Ram Shankar Kureel, Scientist and former Director of the National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC), Shri. K.M. Shanmugam, former Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, DOS, Shri. Krishna Mohan Tripathy, former Secretary, DOS and Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. Mazhar Asif, Director, Space Application Centre (SAC), Dr. M. K. Shridhar, Chairman, Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Dr. Vasudha Kamat, Director, ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC).
7. What are the new NEP Stages of Education in India?
The new National Education Policy (NEP) in India lays out a four-stage structure for school education. The first stage, the Foundational Stage, covers preschool and grades 1-2. The second stage, the Preparatory Stage, covers grades 3-5. The third stage, the Middle Stage, covers grades 6-8. The fourth stage, the Secondary Stage, covers grades 9-12.
8. When New Education Policy 2020 will be implemented?
The New Education Policy 2020 will be implemented in a phased manner, with the first phase beginning in 2021 and implemented entirely by 2025.
9. Which is First State to Implement New Education Policy?
Karnataka became the first state in India to implement the new education policy in early August 2021.
10. What is the National Education Policy 2021?
New Education Policy 2020 is also referred to as New Education Policy 2021. It aims to make India’s higher education system the best in the world. Instead of rote learning, NEP 2020 emphasizes holistic and multidisciplinary learning. The National Education Policy 2021 aims to transform India’s higher education system into one of the best in the world, transforming India into a global knowledge superpower.
11. What is the Pedagogical Structure in the proposed NEP?
The pedagogical structure in the proposed NEP is based on the principles of “learning by doing,” “learner-centricity,” and “active learning.” Under this structure, students will be actively involved in their learning and encouraged to think critically and solve problems on their own.
Teachers will guide students through the learning process as facilitators. This structure corresponds to the most recent research on how people learn best. It also fits with the government’s goal of transforming India into a “Knowledge Powerhouse.”
12. What is Vocational Education in New Education Policy 2020?
In the New Education Policy 2020, vocational education is viewed as a way to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. The policy emphasizes the importance of students being able to choose a vocational education path that matches their interests and abilities.
13. What are the Disadvantages of New Education Policy 2020?
The new education policy 2020 has several disadvantages that have been widely criticized by educators and parents. Language enforcement is one of the most controversial aspects of the policy. Students will be required to learn three languages under the new policy, including Hindi, English, and their regional language. This has caused confusion and delays as schools scramble to find qualified teachers for all three languages.
Another significant disadvantage of the new policy is the delay in teaching English. After Hindi, most schools now teach English as a second language. This delay is likely to cause issues for students who want to study English at a higher level or use it in their future careers.
Finally, the new 2020 education policy prioritizes digital learning. Students will spend more time in front of screens, which can be harmful to their physical and mental health. It also means that students from lower-income families may not have access to the same quality of education because they cannot afford the necessary technology.
14. Is the 10th Board removed in New Education Policy?
Yes, the 10th board has been removed from the New Education Policy. This is done to improve the educational system. The board is a waste of time, and the education system should, above all, be based on students’ interests and passions.
The government has introduced Honors and General courses so that students can choose their preferred courses. Students in honors courses are free to pursue their interests. The government has also introduced vocational courses so that students can learn a skill or a trade. These courses are critical in today’s economy.
15. What is the New Education Policy for College Students?
The new education policy is designed to provide college students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the workforce. The policy puts a lot of emphasis on education that prepares students for their future careers and gives them opportunities to get real-world experience through internships and other work-based learning opportunities.
The policy also commits to improving the quality of teaching in colleges and providing more assistance to students who are struggling academically. Overall, the goal of the new education policy is to help college students be better prepared for the challenges of the modern workplace.
16. Where to download New Education Policy 2022 Pdf?
You can read and download the complete policy guidelines here.
17. When was First Education Policy in India Released?
The first education policy in India was released in 1968 by the government of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
18. When was the Second National Education Policy Released?
The Second National Education Policy was released in 1986 by the then Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi.
19. How many Educations Policy is in India?
India has a total of 4 education policies to date. The first policy was formulated in 1968 and the second in 1986. The third policy was formulated in 1992, and the fourth in 2020.
20. What are the current Levels of Education in India?
The current level of education in India is a 10+2 education system. In India, the 10+2 education system is currently divided into multiple levels:
The first level is the Pre-Primary level, for children aged 3-6 years and kindergarten and preschool grades. The second level is the Primary level, for children aged 6-10 years and 1-5 grades. The third level is the Secondary level, for children aged 11-15 years and 6-8 grades.
The fourth level is the Higher Secondary level, for children aged 16-18 years and 91-2 grades. The fifth level is the Undergraduate level for students aged 19-22 years. The sixth level is the Postgraduate level, for students aged 23-26 years.
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