National Education Policy aims to deliver Holistic, Integrated, Enjoyable, and Engaging learning to every student.
India's Education Policy has been introduced and revised thrice in Indian history. The first one was under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the year 1968, which was focused on languages and making education necessary till the age of 14. The next National Policy on Education was under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986. And the third NEP was approved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29th July 2020.
According to research, NEP 2020 aims to increase the GER in higher education, including vocational education, from 26.3% (2018) to 50% by 2035. As a result, 3.5 Crore new seats will be added to Higher education institutions.
The National Education Policy (NEP 2020) focuses on bringing positive change to the Indian learning system. It strives to provide world-class education to each student in India. Also, this policy's main aim is to give every caste, gender and tribes an equal education. With this, every student gains an opportunity to study and excel because of their background or birth circumstances.
The policy is set to change the Indian education system and create an immense buzz among institutions.
National Education Policy 2020 puts forward several changes to build an equitable society for the future. This NEP policy is based on the crucial five foundational pillars designed to meet the education requirements of students in the 21st century. The following are essential pillars:
· High-quality education to produce rich talents
· Full equity and inclusion
· Affordable yet premier-quality education
· Universal access to education
· Accountability of all individuals
According to the new education policy, students will spend five-year in the Foundational phase, three-year in the Preparatory phase, three-year in the Middle phase, and four-year in the Secondary stage. It will reduce students' curriculum load and stress and allow them to be more "multi-lingual" and "interdisciplinary."
Highlights of National Education Policy (NEP 2020)
The existing 10+2 education structure will be replaced by a new 5+3+3+4 education plan with 12 years of schooling and three years of Anganwadi or Pre-schooling. The old 10+2 education plan does not cover children ages 3 to 6, as Class 1 begins at age 6.
The 5+3+3+4 education system includes a great base of ECCE from the three ages to promote enhanced entire development, learning, and well-being of kids.
Vocational Education to start from the 6th class with Internships.
No language will be forced on any student.
NEP 2020 policy promotes multilingualism in schools and higher education; Persian and Prakrit, National Institute for Pali, and Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation are to be set up.
No rigid separation between art, science and commerce, extracurricular and curricular activities, and vocational and educational streams in schools.
Assessment reforms with a 360-degree Holistic Progress Card, checking or tracking Student Progress for achieving Learning Outcomes.
Teaching up to at least 5th class to be in mother tongue or regional language.
Senior Education curriculum to have flexibility in subjects
Academic Bank of Credits to be established to facilitate the shift of credits.
Multiple Entries are to be allowed with appropriate certification.
National Research Foundation (NRF) to be established to foster a good research culture.
Affiliation System to be phased out in 15 years. Graded autonomy will be granted to the university.
Light but Tight Regulation of Higher Education – Single regulator with four different verticals for various functions.
NEP 2020 combines traditional and digital learning systems and will require educators to be trained in smart teaching and learning processes.
In short, National Education Policy 2020 is a game changer for the Indian Education system. Why? It is aimed to offer the much-required change in the curriculum, pedagogy and content with an emphasis on experiential, practical and vocational learning coupled with holistic development among 21st-century children. It can establish India as a knowledge superpower.