New Education Policy 2020
After a gap of 34 years, on 29th July 2020, the Union Cabinet approved the National Education Policy 2020. The new policy aims to pave way for transformational reforms in school and higher education systems in the country. Additionally, the Cabinet has also approved the renaming of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to the Ministry of Education.
It is only a policy, not a law and as education is a concurrent subject, implementation of the proposals under the new NEP 2020 depends on further regulations by both States and the Centre.
Salient Features of National Education Policy 2020
School Education:
Universalization of education from preschool to secondary level with 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.
To bring 2 crores out of school children back into the mainstream through an open schooling system.
The current 10+2 system to be replaced by a new 5+3+3+4 curricular structure corresponding to 3-8 years (foundational stage), 8-11 years (preparatory), 11-14 years (middle), and 14-18 years (secondary) respectively. Moreover: (i) It will bring the uncovered age group of 3-6 years under school curriculum, which has been recognized globally as the crucial stage for development of mental faculties of a child; and (ii) It will also have 12 years of schooling with three years of Anganwadi preschooling.
Class 10 and 12 board examinations to be made easier, to test core competencies rather than memorized facts, with all students allowed to take the exam twice.
School governance is set to change, with a new accreditation framework and an independent authority to regulate both public and private schools.
Emphasis on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, no rigid separation between academic streams, extracurricular, vocational streams in schools.
Vocational Education to start from Class 6 with Internships.
Teaching up to at least Grade 5 to be in mother tongue/regional language. No language will be imposed on any student.
Assessment reforms with 360° Holistic Progress Card, tracking Student Progress for achieving Learning Outcomes.
A new and comprehensive National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE) 2021, will be formulated by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) in consultation with National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). By 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching will be a 4-year integrated B.Ed. degree.
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on the above.
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