New Education Policy Highlights: Ever since the New Education Policy was announced in July 2020, there have been many discussions around it. While stakeholders are contemplating how and when the policy will be implemented, students have their own doubts and concerns. Read on to find everything you need to know about the New Education Policy, 2020.
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New Education Policy Highlights
There is no debate over the fact that the Indian Education system was in dire need of change. Hence, when the cabinet announced the New Education Policy in July 2020, it was largely welcomed by the students and educationists.
The New Education Policy provides a structural framework for reforms in the Indian Education system. The 66 pages long document proposes reforms in the entire education system, from KG to PhD.
Why New Education Policy?
The demand for the 21st century is that students should not be taught to learn, but how to learn. The focus has to be on critical thinking, problem-solving, creative thinking, and innovation rather than learning the content. The New Education Policy recognizes this need and focuses on not only the cognitive but holistic development of students. The purpose is to upgrade the Indian Education System and make it a destination and learning centre which attracts students from all over the world.
Major highlights of the New Education Policy
Structure of School Education
Till now, the 10+2 structure of school education has been followed. The student completes education till class 10th, appears for the class 10th board exam, then pursues in class 11th and 12th in the selected compartmentalized stream. But the NEP proposes to replace it with a 5+3+3+4 structure. The first 5 years being the foundational stage (Age 3-8 years), the next 3 years being preparatory stage (age 8-11), the subsequent 3 years be middle (age 11-14), and the next 4 years as the secondary stage (14-18 years).
| Before NEP | After NEP |
| Class 11th – 12th | Secondary |
| 2 years | 4 years |
Medium of instruction
The new Education policy proposes the regional language to be the medium of instruction. However, there has been criticism of this proposal. The critics say that the system lacks infrastructure and well–versed teachers who could translate the textbooks.
Choice of Subject
Once the New Education Policy is implemented, students could study the subject combination as per their choice. This system is already being followed in a majority of countries abroad. It gives the flexibility to students to chose subjects of their own interest rather than compartmentalized streams (Humanities, Commerce, Science).
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Vocational Education, Internships and Skills
The NEP wants to focus on the overall development of the student. Vocational Education shall be imparted in students from class 6th onwards. They’ll be taught skills like coding and visits to local businesses and craftsmen would be a part of it. The students will also be encouraged to take internships. The aim is to change the perspective towards vocational education and also break the social hierarchy.
Multiple Exit Option for UG program
According to NEP, the UG program will be for 4 years. If a student drops out after 1 year, he/she will get a certificate for completion of 1 year. If she/ he chooses to continue education after a gap of certain years, he/she’ll be enrolled in the second year. In this way, the NEP provides multiple exit options after every year.
Way Ahead
Due to the COVID pandemic, education in India has suffered. The New Education Policy brings a ray of hope for students and educationalists in the 21st century. The policy is expected to be implemented in phases, the Kendriya Vidyalas being part of the first phase. While the policy looks perfect on paper, the real test of the policy can be assessed on ground level only.
New Education Policy Highlights: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When will the New Education Policy be completely implemented?
The first phase is expected to get over by April, 2022. However, to implement the entire policy, the current government has set a target till 2040.
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- Will it be implemented uniformly by all the states?
Education is a part of the Concurrent List. This gives state authorities to make amendments to Education Policy.
- Will the board exams be scrapped off?
The NEP does not propose to scrap off board exams. But their importance would be reduced to a large extent.
– Article Edited by Sara Gogna (Connect)