New Education Policy 2022-23: NEP 2020 (5+3+3+4 Structure)

The New Education Policy was released by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The National Education Policy 2020 was released on 29th July 2020, after it was approved by the Union Cabinet. 

The New Education Policy aims to make education more inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all, with a special emphasis on marginalized communities. It also emphasizes the development of skills for the 21st century, such as creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Furthermore, the policy calls for the establishment of new institutions, such as digital universities, and the use of technology to facilitate learning.

India is about to make significant changes to its education system in order to become a global power. The recent changes were implemented to end 34 years of educational policies. The new system, which is still being implemented, emphasizes online learning, more school hours, and a move 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 2022-23: The New National Education Policy in India

The New Education Policy (2022–23) is a comprehensive policy issued by the Government of India in July 2020. It replaces the National Policy on Education (NPE) of 1986 and is India’s first major overhaul of the education system in over three decades. The New Educational Policy focuses on 5 pillars: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability.

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 the 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

Another key goal of the new education policy is to transform India into a global knowledge superpower by promoting research and innovation, improving education quality, and expanding access to education for all. The NEP 2020 also aims to increase the GER in higher education to 50% by 2035, up from around 26% in 2019.

The new education policy represents a significant shift in India’s approach to education, with a greater emphasis on flexibility, critical thinking, and skill development. These changes, hopefully, will help prepare the next generation of Indians for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

New Education Policy (NEP) 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 on providing quality and affordable education to all children in the age group of 3-18 years.
• It emphasizes on holistic and multidisciplinary education instead of rote learning.
• 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.
• 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 in India has been updated to incorporate more core concepts and vocational education.
• The policy focuses on using technology in education to make it more accessible and effective.
• 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, such as mandatory teacher eligibility tests, teacher professional development programmes, and teacher education programmes at the elementary, secondary and tertiary levels. 
• The policy also focuses on providing vocational and technical education to students so that they are better equipped to enter the workforce.
• The policy proposes to set up a National Higher Education Regulatory Council to oversee the regulation of higher education institutions. 
• The policy also seeks to provide greater autonomy to higher education institutions and promote academic mobility. As a result, the public and private universities will both be governed by the same regulations.
• This policy introduces a new 5+3+3+4 education structure, which moves 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 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.

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.
• According to NEP, learning should be holistic, joyful, stress-free, and a lifelong process.
• 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.

New Education Policy 2020: 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 NEP recommends 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: 5+3+3+4 Education System

The New Education Policy 2020 has introduced a new 5+3+3+4 education structure, which will replace the existing 10+2 system. Under this structure, the first five years of schooling will be focused on foundational learning, followed by three years of preparatory schooling, three years of middle stage schooling and four years of secondary education.

New Education System in India

The New education 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.

Below is the detailed overview of the new education structure:

Foundational Stage (5 years)

The foundation stage will comprise the first 5 years of a child’s schooling. In the first 3 years of education, children will be taught in Anganwadi, Balvatika or community-based nurseries.

The other 2 years of schooling include multilevel, play/ activity-based learning, during which they will develop the basic skills and knowledge required for learning.

Preparatory Stage (3 years)

The preparatory stage will be from age 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 age 11 to 14 years. 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 age 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.

New National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020)

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, Grade 3, 5, and 8 students 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 to 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. The curriculum also promotes using the mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction, as research has shown that children learn better in their native 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 brought about many changes in school education. Some of the major changes are listed below:

• The new policy has abolished the rigid 10+2 structure of schooling and introduced 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 in using curricula and pedagogy suited for children up to 8 years old. 
• The new policy also emphasizes vocational education and skill development.
• Under the new policy, students will have the flexibility to choose subjects of their interest and will not be confined to any one stream.
• The policy aims at making 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. 
• Ministries of Human Resource Development, Health and Family Welfare (HFW), Women and Child Development (WCD), and Tribal Affairs will collectively administrate early childhood education.

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 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:

1. Reading and Writing: The NEP recommends a strong focus on reading and writing in the early years of education, particularly on developing phonemic awareness and phonics skills.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. Emphasis on Holistic Development: The NEP 2020 emphasizes the importance of holistic development and teachers’ role in nurturing students’ overall development. Therefore, the recruitment process will focus on selecting teachers who are knowledgeable and possess skills such as communication, critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Greater Accountability and Evaluation: The NEP 2020 emphasizes the importance of teacher accountability and performance evaluation. As part of the recruitment process, there may be a greater emphasis on evaluating the skills and competencies of candidates and their ability to meet the needs of students.

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 Enrolment 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 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.

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 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.

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 the apex body for regulating all higher education institutions (except medical and legal colleges).

The NHERA will take the place of the existing University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

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:

1. The NEP 2020 emphasizes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education, which aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in students.
2. The policy aims to make education more inclusive and accessible by increasing the availability of quality education in regional languages, promoting technology in education, and expanding the reach of higher education institutions.
3. The NEP 2020 aims to reform the education system at all levels, including school, vocational, and higher education.
4. The policy aims to strengthen the quality and accountability of the education system by promoting continuous learning and professional development for teachers, improving the assessment and evaluation system, and establishing a National Testing Agency to conduct standard tests.
5. 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 to learn, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation.
6. The policy aims to promote the internationalization of education and encourage a greater exchange of students, teachers, and ideas with other countries.
7. The NEP 2020 aims to establish a National Education Commission (NEC) to oversee the policy’s implementation and ensure that it remains relevant and responsive to the country’s changing needs.

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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