National Education Policy 2020
The revival after a gap of 34 years is much needed. With time and advancement, there has to be a transformation in all sectors and
education is no exception. Creating a fresh, diversified, inclusive, and advanced educational vision was, therefore, necessary and
urgent. The NEP committee under Dr Kasturirangan’s leadership recognizes this fundamental differentiator, and has laid out a far-
reaching vision to create learning environments that are multidisciplinary, that cater to a well-rounded education for all
individuals, and has the immense potential to transform India’s human capital development.
Highlights of education sector in India before NEP 2020
It is after three decades that India received 2.7% of GDP was $101 billion was
its new education policy which has set the India’s public the value of education
pace for a sector that caters to 25% of the spending on education market of India in 2019
country’s population.
50,000 higher educational Nearly 300 million
institutions, 907 universities students were
Below is a brief history of the national
and over 1.4 million schools pursuing education
education policy:
are operational in India in India
Continuous Review Based K
1 on sustained research and
regular assessment by
educational experts.
E
Y Use of Technology in
Promoting each student’s
teaching and learning,
removing language barriers 2 The key points from
P
3 holistic development in both
academic and non-academic
spheres.
R ‘Light but Tight’ regulatory
the National
Education Policy
Flexibility for learners to
I
N
framework to promote
integrity and transparency of
the educational system.
4 NEP as shared by
the Secretary of
Higher Education
5 choose their learning
trajectories and programs as
per their interests.
C Encouraging innovation and and Secretary of
School Education
Recognizing, Identifying
I
P
out-of-the-box ideas
through Autonomy, Good
Governance, Empowerment
6 will have futuristic
implications for the
7 and Fostering the unique
capabilities of each student.
L
E Life Skills such as
students of India and
the nation as a
S
communication, teamwork,
cooperation, and resilience 8 whole.
Vittarth - An initiative by students of NIBM
4 years Secondary
2 years
Class 9 to 12
Ages 16-18
Ages 14-18
This policy envisages that the extant
10+2 structure in school education will
3 years Middle be modified with a new pedagogical
10 years Class 6 to 8
and curricular restructuring of
Ages 6-16 Ages 11-14
5+3+3+4 covering ages 3-18.
The vision of the policy is to instill
3 years Preparatory among the learners a deep-rooted
Class 3 to 5
pride in being Indian, not only in
Ages 8-11
thought, but also in spirit, intellect,
and deeds, as well as to develop
knowledge, skills, values, and
2 years
dispositions that support responsible
Class 1 & 2
commitment to human rights,
Ages 6-8 Foundational sustainable development and living,
---------------
and global well-being, thereby
3 years
Previous academic reflecting a truly global citizen.
Pre-school
structure Ages 3-6
New pedagogical and curricular structure
This National Education Policy envisions an education system rooted in Indian ethos that
contributes directly to transforming India, that is Bharat, sustainably into an equitable and
vibrant knowledge society, by providing high-quality education to all, and thereby making India
a global knowledge superpower. The Policy envisages that the curriculum and pedagogy of our
institutions must develop among the students a deep sense of respect towards the
Fundamental Duties and Constitutional values, bonding with one’s country, and a conscious
awareness of one’s roles and responsibilities in a changing world.
As the new policy restructures the In the new 5+3+3+4 structure, a
education system of India. A look at
what the new education policy
What NEP Key strong base of Early Childhood
Care and Education (ECCE) from
means for different parties such as age 3 is also included, aimed at
School-going children, Higher
education, Investors, Parents, etc.
means for Takeaways promoting better overall learning,
development, and well-being.
Medium of instruction- Local language, To focus on foundational literacy and
Vocational courses from Class 6th.
SchoolGoers Mission
basic numeracy.
Flexible courses with multiple entry Higher Education Flexibility Pedagogical structure: No rigid
and exit; Dropouts allowed in middle. separation between streams.
Common Entrance exam by NAT; Colleges &
Unified Approach No separation in vocational,
Single regulator to cut red tapism. Universities academic, curricular, and extra-
curricular studies
Public investment in education:6% of Investors Learning Test of knowledge acquired instead
GDP; More opportunities for teachers. of rote learning.
Rural households can encourage Parents Critical Thinking Critical thinking along with discovery,
children to take Farming courses discussions, and analysis
Vittarth - An initiative by students of NIBM
Other important key
focuses are as follows:
• Setting up of National
Center for Performance,
Assessment, Review
and Analysis of
Knowledge for Holistic
development (PARAKH)
• Adult education and
lifelong learning
• Supporting children with
special needs
*SEDGs - Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups
The policy is welcomed very
positively by experts. But, there
are certain loopholes like:
1. NEP still doesn’t tackle the
commercialization of education.
2. Hidden Fees, Capitation, etc.
that are paid in the so-called free
institution and university that are
running as a non-profit institution
is not addressed in this policy.
3. The free market functions are
still not allowed but it seems like
the system is not willing to get
over this hypocrisy.
The policy will do a lot of good for
the education sector of the
economy and that’s what counts!
Vittarth - An initiative by students of NIBM
