National Education Policy (NEP):

Can it be a Game-changer in India?

The success of the NEP depends on its uniform and transparent implementation at all levels and fair distribution of resources. This gigantic task seeks a whole-hearted cooperation and collaboration between the Union Ministry of Education and State Governments.

In July 2020, the Union Cabinet approved the National Education Policy (NEP), bringing in several changes in the Indian education system — from the school to the college level. The NEP, while outlining the vision of new education system of India, replaces the previous National Policy on Education, 1986.

It aims at making “India a global knowledge superpower” by transforming the old-age Indian Education System to meet the needs of the 21st century. This policy focuses on various changes to be made to improve the education system carried out for several decades.

The new policy focuses on giving the best and most effective methods to teach children in the best possible way. It has scrapped the traditional 10+2 model of Education and introduced a new 5+3+3+4 mode. As per this policy, the curricular structure corresponds to age groups 3-8 years, 8-11 years, 11-14 years and 14-18 years, respectively. The policy seeks improvement in the poor literacy and numeracy outcomes associated with primary schools, reduction in dropout levels in middle and secondary schools and adoption of the multidisciplinary approach in the higher education system. Apart from this, NEP also focuses on early childhood care, restricting curriculum and pedagogy, reforming assessments and exams, and investing in teacher training and broad basing their appraisal.

It also targets universalization of education from pre-school to secondary level with a 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio in school education by 2030. It focuses on bringing back the 2 crore out-of-school students into the mainstream through an open schooling system.

• Secondary stage (4) multidisciplinary study, greater critical thinking, flexibility and student choice of subjects.

• Middle stage (3) experiential learning in the Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Social sciences, Humanities etc.

• Preparatory stage (3) play, discovery, and activitybased and interactive classroom learning.

• Foundational Stage (5) multilevel, play/activitybased learning.

NEP 2020 emphasizes providing equitable and quality education from the Foundational Stage through Grade 12 to all children up to the age of 18, but it does not state what suitable facilities are being provided.

The following are the changes made in NEP 2020 from the old

It focuses on vocational education and imparting knowledge of the core subjects. The number of examinations will be reduced from eight examinations to only three examinations for grades 3, 5 and 8. The ministry has also decided that students will learn to code and do internships from class 6 onwards. They also want students to leave for higher education with one core skill. For years students have had to choose between three streams to study. But under the new model, they can be taught any subject they want to. The policy also focuses on the chance of giving board exams twice a year to improve their scores. Teaching up to at least Grade 5 to be in mother tongue/regional language. No language will be imposed. Three language policies are to be imposed giving importance to Sanskrit. NEP has proposed the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) as the single regulator for higher education, which would take place of both UGC M.Phil

• Music, arts and literature are to be taught in all colleges.

• Every student is to be taught the vocational skill of his/her choice. Coding will also be taught from Class VI onwards.

• An Academic Bank Credit will be set up which will digitally store academic credits earned.

• Single Common Entrance Exams will be conducted for all the colleges.

• It also emphasizes the importance of practical knowledge and skill development after Class VI.

• By 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching will be a 4-year integrated B.Ed. degree.

Possible Benefits of NEP 2020

• It will give importance to students’ practical knowledge then without pushing them towards learning.

• It will also help students to develop a scientific temper from a young age.

• It also aims at setting up new quality higher educational institutes which will be at par with global standards.

• It will also promote value-based education.

• It will also focus on making education a basic right for children from 3 years of age till 18 and provide them free education at government-run institutions.

Possible disadvantages of the NEP 2020

• It emphasizes the introduction of the mother tongue at the primary level which will be a monumental task for converting basic subjects to various major languages of India.

• It will also lead to delays in the teaching of English in government-run institutions which will be a setback as private schools will keep practicing it from the very beginning.

• Digital learning is a need of the hour and very much practical but everyone can’t afford smartphones as many students are underprivileged.

• The updated terms of the Undergraduate Program will lead to non-seriousness and a high dropout without completing their education.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the 75th foundation day celebration of D.U.’s Hansraj College, the then Vice-President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu

Sports are to be made part of the curriculum and emphasize sports ad integrated learning as well as adopting fitness as a lifelong attitude. During Khelo India Youth Games this year in June, when asked about NEP, Anurag Thakur, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, said:

Today, the hopes and aspirations of the young players of the country are forming the basis of decisions and policies. The promotion of sports in the new education policy emphasizes building modern sports infrastructure. The synergy of modern technology is creating a rich sports culture in India today. From the identification, selection and training of talent in the field of sports to the sporting needs of the players, the government is with the country’s talented youth at every step.” in July said that the New Education policy will prove to be a game-changer. He further added that it is set to transform the world of education. It lays out an elaborate, layered roadmap for educational institutions in terms of charting the course of national development and seeks to restructure the higher educational institutions of the country towards changing needs of the knowledge economy. “The policy will prove to be a game-changer. I am happy to learn that Delhi University is implementing NEP-2020 from this