Overview of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

The NEP 2020, the third such policy since India’s independence, sought to comprehensively reform both school and higher education. Its implementation has seen mixed results due to various challenges including state-Centre frictions and institutional delays.

Achievements

• School Curriculum Changes:
  • The traditional 10+2 system has been replaced with a new structure: foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary stages.
  • The National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) outlines learning outcomes for each stage.
  • NCERT has developed integrated textbooks for classes 1-8, with new books for classes 9-12 to follow.
• Early Childhood Education:
  • The NEP aims for universal pre-primary learning by 2030.
  • Jaadui Pitara learning kits are being utilized, and some states are enforcing a minimum age of six for class 1 entry.
• Foundational Skills Focus:
  • NIPUN Bharat aims for proficiency in reading and basic math by class 3, with current average survey scores indicating room for improvement.
• Credit-Based Flexibility:
  • The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) allows students to earn and store educational credits.
  • Flexibility extends to school students through the National Credit Framework (NCrF).
• Common University Entrance Test (CUET):
  • Introduced in 2022, it streamlines admissions to undergraduate programs.
• Global Reach:
  • Indian institutes like IITs and IIMs have established campuses abroad.
  • International universities are also setting up in India.

Ongoing Developments

• Board Exams:
  • Plans for less high-stakes exams and multiple exam opportunities are being explored.
• Holistic Report Cards:
  • PARAKH has developed inclusive progress cards, which are yet to be widely adopted.
• Four-Year Undergraduate Degrees:
  • Implementation faces challenges due to infrastructural and faculty constraints.
• Mother Tongue Instruction:
  • Encouraged as the medium of instruction till class 5, with ongoing textbook development in various languages.

Challenges and Stalled Initiatives

• Three-Language Formula: Opposition from states like Tamil Nadu regarding the imposition of Hindi.
• Teacher Education: Delays in the release of the National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education.
• Higher Education Commission of India (HECI): The draft bill to replace UGC remains under discussion.
• Breakfast for Schools: Finance Ministry’s rejection of the proposal for breakfast alongside midday meals.
• Policy Disagreements:
  • States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu oppose certain NEP provisions.
  • Concerns over the Centre’s unilateral enforcement of changes in education policy.