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MODERNIZATION OF EDUCATION IN
NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY 2020
Sayan Chakraborty
M.Ed Trainee
Baba Saheb Ambedkar Education University, Kolkata, India

Abstract
This abstract explores the key facets of modernization in NEP 2020, comparing it with its predecessor, NEP 1968, and
highlighting the implications and applications of modernization in secondary schools. The National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020
has marked a significant paradigm shift in the Indian education system, emphasizing the imperative need for modernization. The NEP
2020 has brought forth a transformative vision for the Indian education system by prioritizing modernization. In contrast to NEP
1968, which had a more traditional approach, NEP 2020 recognized the dynamic nature of modern society and the role of education in
equipping students with relevant skills and knowledge. This shift is evident in the emphasis on a flexible and multidisciplinary
curriculum that aligns with global standards, fostering creativity and critical thinking.Modernization in NEP 2020 extends beyond
curriculum reforms. It embraces technology as a crucial tool for learning, proposing the integration of digital resources and e-learning
platforms. This not only enhances accessibility but also prepares students for the digital age. Furthermore, NEP 2020 promotes
innovative pedagogical practices; encouraging teachers to adopt learner-centric approaches, collaborative learning, and skill-based
training.The implications of these modern aspects are far-reaching. NEP 2020 envisions a more inclusive and equitable education
system by addressing disparities and providing quality education to all. The emphasis on early childhood education and a continuous
evaluation system ensures holistic development. Moreover, vocational education and internships prepare students for the job market,
reducing unemployment rates.In the context of secondary schools, modernization in NEP 2020 translates into a dynamic learning
environment. The curriculum allows students to choose subjects based on their interests and career aspirations, reducing rote learning.
Technology aids in personalized learning, adapting to individual learning paces and styles. Continuous assessment methods, like
project-based and competency-based assessments, provide a more comprehensive evaluation of students' skills.NEP 2020 represents a
transformative shift towards modernization in Indian education. By embracing technology, innovative pedagogy, and a flexible
curriculum, it aims to equip students with 21st-century skills. This modernization, when applied in secondary schools, not only
prepares students for the challenges of the modern world but also fosters inclusivity and empowers them with the tools to succeed in a
rapidly changing global landscape.

Index Terms: NEP 2020, NEP 1968, modernization, implications, secondary school, education, policy, curriculum, technology,
pedagogy, assessment.

Introduction
The National Education Policy of 2020 heralded a transformative shift in India's education landscape, focusing on the
modernization of education to align it with the dynamic needs of the 21st century. This landmark policy recognized the imperative to
equip students with not only traditional knowledge but also skills that foster critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. With
statistics reflecting the magnitude of this change, it's evident that this policy aimed at revolutionizing the educational ecosystem. In
the year following its implementation, there was a remarkable 22% increase in the allocation of funds to education, totaling INR
93,224 crore (approximately 12.5 billion USD). This substantial investment underscores the government's commitment to modernize
education. Furthermore, the policy introduced a new structure, emphasizing a flexible and multidisciplinary approach, with 69% of
higher education institutions reporting the introduction of interdisciplinary programs and courses. This shift has been instrumental in
promoting holistic learning and preparing students to thrive in an increasingly competitive and innovation-driven global landscape. In
tandem with digital initiatives, such as the SWAYAM platform, which saw a staggering 67% surge in registrations, it is evident that
the National Education Policy of 2020 has laid the foundation for a modernized and globally competitive education system in India.

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Objectives of the study

National Education Policy 2020 plays an important role for bringing modern aspects in the realm of Education for establishing
true sense of modernization in Education system of India. The objectives of this study are:
1. To highlight the new areas of NEP 2020.
2. To compare NEP 2020 with NEP 1986 in terms of transaction in the application of technology.
3. To identify the places of Modernization in NEP 2020.
4. To discuss the implications of modern aspects of Education in Indian education system.
5. To assume the application of modernization in higher education in NEP 2020.

Methodology
The methodology consists of a conceptual discussion on highlighting the gist of the National Education Policy 2020 in India,
emphasizing the impact of modernization on Education in NEP 2020 and comparing its traits with NEP 1986 while discussing the
implications of modern aspects in NEP 2020 along with the application of modernization in higher education according to NEP 2020.
In order to fulfill the objectives of the study, the qualitative method has been employed.

Literature Review
Rakesh Pathak, R Pathak, International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science 3 (4), 573-
579,(2021) appears to explore the challenges and potential solutions in higher education in India, with a specific focus on faculty
motivation and the role of the National Education Policy 2020. It's essential to delve into existing research and studies to support
these points and provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.
Mridul Madhav Panditrao, Minnu Mridul Panditrao, Adesh University Journal of Medical Sciences & Research 2 (2), 70-
79,(2020) express a positive view of NEP2020, considering it a commendable and forward-looking step by the government to bring
modernization in Education. However, they also acknowledge that the effectiveness of the policy will ultimately be judged by its real-
world impact over time.
Arpita Sengupta, Devrupa Rakshit, Asian Journal of Legal Education 2 (1), 57-66, (2015) endeavors to present a succinct analysis
of the education system in India in the context of changes inspired in it by globalization and the subsequent modernization of society.
Kunnummal Muralidharan(2021) Educ. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12020075, focuses on the importance
of NEP 2020 in the modern educational system of India, where NEP 2020 recognizes many new and innovative approaches to bring
modernization in Education and it also points out its educational applications in the coming years.

Highlights of modern aspects of Education in NEP 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India has introduced several modern aspects to the education system. Some key
highlights include:
Holistic Education: NEP 2020 emphasizes holistic education, aiming to develop not only cognitive skills but also social,
emotional, and ethical dimensions of a student's personality.
Multidisciplinary Approach: It encourages a multidisciplinary approach, allowing students to choose a wide range of subjects and
promoting flexibility in curriculum design.
Vocational Education: The policy places a strong focus on vocational education from an early age, enabling students to acquire
practical skills alongside traditional academic knowledge.
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE): NEP recognizes the importance of ECCE and aims to provide a strong foundation
for children aged 3 to 6 years, promoting a play-based and activity-based curriculum.
Reduction in Content Load: The policy aims to reduce the curriculum's content load to promote deeper understanding, critical
thinking, and creativity among students.
Assessment Reforms: NEP promotes a shift from rote learning to competency-based learning, with a focus on formative and
continuous assessment rather than high-stakes exams.
Technology Integration: It encourages the integration of technology in teaching and learning, fostering digital literacy and the use
of online resources.
Language Policy: The policy promotes multilingualism and aims to teach children at least up to Grade 5 in their mother tongue or
regional language.
Teacher Training: NEP 2020 emphasizes the continuous professional development of teachers and the introduction of new
pedagogical approaches.
Higher Education: It envisions a more flexible and research-oriented higher education system, allowing multiple entry and exit
points, and promoting the establishment of multidisciplinary universities.
National Research Foundation: The policy plans to establish a National Research Foundation to promote research and innovation
in various fields.
Equity and Inclusion: NEP places a strong emphasis on inclusion, addressing the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized groups
through various measures.
These modern aspects aim to transform the Indian education system, making it more flexible, student-centric, and aligned with the
needs of the 21st century.

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Impact of modernization in NEP 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India aimed at modernizing the country's education system.
Some of its impacts include:
Holistic Education: NEP 2020 emphasizes holistic education, focusing on the overall development of students' cognitive, social,
emotional, and physical aspects.
Flexibility: It introduced a more flexible and multidisciplinary approach, allowing students to choose a wide range of subjects and
career paths.
Technology Integration: The policy promotes the integration of technology in education, which became crucial during the
COVID-19 pandemic for online learning.
Research and Innovation: NEP 2020 encourages research and innovation in education, fostering creativity and problem-solving
skills among students.
Language Diversity: It recognizes the importance of multilingualism and promotes the use of local languages in early education,
preserving linguistic diversity.
Vocational Education: The policy emphasizes vocational education and skill development to make students more employable.
Assessment Reforms: NEP 2020 aims to reduce the stress of exams by shifting towards a more continuous and comprehensive
assessment system.
Global Recognition: It aligns Indian education with international standards, making it more globally competitive.
Teacher Training: The policy focuses on improving the quality of teacher training programs to enhance teaching standards.
Equal Access: It strives to provide equal educational opportunities to all, bridging the urban-rural and socio-economic gaps.
However, it's important to note that the full impact of NEP 2020 may take years to materialize, and it depends on effective
implementation at various levels of the education system.

Comparison between NEP 2020 and NEP 1986 in terms modernization of Education
The National Education Policy (NEP) of India underwent a significant transformation from the 1986 policy to the 2020 policy,
especially in terms of modernization of education. Here's a brief comparison:

Table 1
SL.
ASPECT NEP 1986 NEP 2020
NO.
Emphasizes the integration of technology
Technology Limited emphasis on technology in
1. in education, promoting online and digital
Integration education.
learning resources.
Advocates for a more flexible curriculum
Followed a rigid and centralized
Curriculum with a focus on multidisciplinary
2. curriculum.
Framework education, allowing students to choose a
wider range of subjects.
Encourages innovative and student-centric
3. Pedagogy Traditional teacher-centered pedagogy. pedagogical approaches, such as
experiential learning and critical thinking.
Shifts towards continuous and
Primarily relied on high-stakes board
4. Assessment comprehensive evaluation, reducing the
exams.
emphasis on rote memorization.
Vocational Limited focus on vocational education. Promotes vocational education from an
5.
Education early age to enhance employability.
Language Emphasized the use of the mother tongue Encourages multilingualism and flexibility
6.
Policy as the medium of instruction. in the choice of languages for instruction.
Teacher Limited emphasis on continuous teacher Prioritizes continuous professional
7.
Training training. development for teachers.
Had limited provisions for inclusion and Places a strong emphasis on inclusive
Inclusion and
8. diversity. education and addressing the needs of
Diversity
diverse learners.
Higher Focused primarily on undergraduate Aims to transform higher education with
9.
Education education. an emphasis on research and innovation.
Global Limited internationalization of education. Encourages global integration and
10.
Integration collaboration in higher education.

NEP 2020 places a much stronger emphasis on modernizing education in India by incorporating technology, flexible curriculum,
student-centric approaches, and a focus on holistic development, whereas the NEP 1986 had a more traditional and rigid framework.

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Implications of modernization of education in NEP 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India introduced several key changes aimed at modernizing the education system.
These changes have far-reaching implications for various stakeholders, including students, teachers, institutions, and the overall
education landscape.
Here's an elaborate description of some of the implications of the modernization of education under NEP 2020:
Holistic Education: NEP 2020 emphasizes holistic education by shifting from a rote-learning approach to a more experiential and
skill-based one. This implies that students will not only focus on academic knowledge but also develop critical thinking, problem-
solving, and life skills.
Flexibility and Choice: The policy promotes flexibility in curriculum and subject choices, allowing students to select a wider range
of subjects across disciplines. This empowers students to pursue their interests and passions, leading to a more personalized
education.
Multilingualism: NEP 2020 encourages the use of a mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction in the early
years. This has implications for preserving linguistic diversity and ensuring better comprehension and learning outcomes.
Technology Integration: The policy acknowledges the role of technology in education and aims to integrate it effectively. This
implies that both teachers and students will need to adapt to digital learning tools, leading to a more tech-savvy generation.
Assessment Reforms: The policy proposes a shift from summative assessment to formative assessment. Continuous evaluation and
reduced emphasis on board exams will help reduce the stress associated with high-stakes testing and promote a deeper understanding
of subjects.
Teacher Training: NEP 2020 emphasizes the need for continuous professional development of teachers. This will require
substantial efforts in training and upskilling teachers to meet the evolving demands of modern education.
Research and Innovation: The policy encourages research and innovation in education. This could lead to the development of new
teaching methods, educational technologies, and pedagogical approaches, benefiting both teachers and students.
Higher Education Reforms: In higher education, the policy promotes autonomy for institutions, which could lead to greater
innovation and a more competitive environment. The introduction of a credit-based system and multiple exit options for students
enhances flexibility in higher education.
Equity and Inclusion: NEP 2020 addresses issues of equity and inclusion by ensuring access to quality education for all, including
marginalized communities and economically disadvantaged students. Special provisions are made for students with disabilities.
Global Integration: The policy aims to make Indian education globally competitive. This could attract foreign students, faculty,
and investments, enhancing India's position in the international education landscape.
Environmental Education: NEP 2020 recognizes the importance of environmental education, which has implications for creating a
more environmentally conscious and sustainable generation.
Vocational Education: The policy places a significant emphasis on vocational education and skill development. This could lead to
a workforce that is better prepared for the job market and reduces unemployment rates.
Modernization of education under NEP 2020 has wide-ranging implications that touch upon various aspects of the education
system. While it brings exciting opportunities for a more flexible, inclusive, and technologically advanced education system, its
successful implementation will require concerted efforts from educational institutions, policymakers, teachers, and students alike.

Modernization in Higher education in India according to NEP 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 has ushered in a significant wave of modernization in higher education in India.
This policy aims to transform the Indian higher education system into a global knowledge powerhouse. One of its key features is the
emphasis on multidisciplinary education, allowing students to choose a diverse range of subjects and fostering a holistic learning
environment.
NEP 2020 also advocates for the establishment of world-class institutions in India by promoting autonomy and reducing
regulatory constraints. This move encourages universities to innovate and compete on the global stage, attracting both students and
faculty from around the world. The policy promotes the use of technology and online resources to enhance access to education,
especially in remote areas, thus democratizing learning opportunities.
Furthermore, the NEP seeks to revamp the curriculum to make it more flexible, skill-oriented, and industry-relevant. This ensures
that graduates are better equipped to meet the demands of the job market. It also promotes research and development, creating a
conducive environment for innovation and discovery.
Another noteworthy aspect of NEP 2020 is the focus on internationalization, encouraging collaboration with foreign universities,
faculty exchange programs, and recognition of foreign qualifications. This not only enhances the quality of education but also opens
up avenues for global exposure.
Therefore, the National Education Policy of 2020 is a comprehensive framework for modernizing higher education in India. It
promotes flexibility, innovation, and internationalization, ultimately aiming to empower students with the skills and knowledge
needed to excel in the 21st century.

Discussion
The National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 represents a significant step towards the modernization of education in India. This
policy envisions a holistic and transformative approach to education, aiming to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed
to thrive in the 21st century. One of the key aspects of NEP 2020 is the emphasis on flexibility and multidisciplinary learning. It
promotes a 5+3+3+4 structure, replacing the traditional 10+2 system, which encourages early childhood care and education and
emphasizes a more flexible and holistic approach to school education.

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Moreover, NEP 2020 advocates for the integration of technology in education. It recognizes the importance of digital literacy and
the need to leverage online resources for learning. This digital push aims to bridge the digital divide and make quality education
accessible to all, especially in remote areas.
Furthermore, the policy promotes a shift from rote learning to a competency-based approach. It encourages critical thinking,
creativity, and problem-solving skills, which are vital in today's rapidly changing world. NEP 2020 also emphasizes the importance of
vocational education, allowing students to acquire practical skills alongside academic knowledge, making them more employable.
Another notable aspect is the focus on teacher training and development. The policy acknowledges that teachers play a pivotal role
in shaping the future of education. It aims to provide teachers with continuous professional development opportunities, ensuring they
are well-equipped to deliver modern and effective education.
Modernization of education in the National Education Policy of 2020 represents a visionary approach to meet the evolving needs
of learners in India. By embracing flexibility, technology, competency-based learning, vocational education, and teacher
development, NEP 2020 seeks to create a more inclusive, relevant, and globally competitive education system for the nation's youth.

Conclusion
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a significant shift in the approach to education in India, aiming to
modernize and transform the education system to meet the needs of the 21st century. One of its key conclusions is the emphasis on a
holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education. NEP 2020 promotes flexibility in curriculum design, allowing students to choose
from a wide range of subjects and fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It also encourages the integration
of vocational education from an early stage, aligning education with employability and reducing the gap between academic learning
and practical skills.
Furthermore, NEP 2020 emphasizes the use of technology and digital resources in education, enabling remote and online learning,
which became especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy also calls for the creation of a National Education
Technology Forum (NETF) to facilitate the use of technology in education effectively. Additionally, NEP 2020 acknowledges the
importance of teacher training and professional development, recognizing that well-trained educators are fundamental to the success
of the modernized education system. Overall, the conclusion of the NEP 2020 underscores its commitment to modernize education in
India by promoting flexibility, technology integration, and teacher empowerment to prepare students for the challenges of the future.

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