2020 was a year of change. One of the biggest reforms was the Indian Government changing the National Policy on Education framed in 1986 34-years-ago with the New Education Policy 2020. The NEP is all set to make tremendous reforms in the Indian Education System and it has been approved by the union cabinet.
The NEP 2020 has been introduced at the right time as it’s in sync with the vision of creating a more innovative and creative workforce. When the NEP2020 was announced a couple of months back it raised many questions. Here are five major highlights of National Education Policy 2020.
Schooling age revised:
The mandatory schooling age has been changed to 3-18 years from the previous 6-14 years. The existing 10+2 twelve-year structure has been replaced with 5+3+3+4 structure which separates the age groups of 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, 14-18 years.
The medium of instruction is to be the mother tongue:
The policy states that though no language will be imposed on anyone, and it will stick to the three languages system, mother tongue as the medium of instruction is recommended even it is not made compulsory. This is done because scientific research proves that children learn and grasp quicker in their mother tongues. “Wherever possible, the medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, but preferably till Grade 8 and beyond, will be the home language, mother tongue, local language or the regional language. Thereafter, the home or local language shall continue to be taught as a language wherever possible. This will be followed by both public and private schools,” the policy states.
A single body to overlook higher education:
All the rules and regulations, accreditation, standards, and norms for both private and public institutions except for medical and legal education are to be combined under one regulatory body. This is to be done by The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI). This move will give a state-wise mechanism and it will also grant autonomy to collages.
Separation between the streams will be minimised:
The rigid separation between the major streams of arts, science and commerce will be removed. Introducing a more interlaced working between the curricular and extra-curricular activities will ensure a more vocational learning experience. Instead of sticking to a particular stream and its narrowed subjects, students will now be able to choose subjects from across the streams. Vocational education including internships will start as early as grade 6 in school.
Introducing FYUP ensures no more drop-outs:
Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) gives students multiple exit options during the period of 3-4 years. If a student leaves after completing a year it’s mandatory for colleges/universities to issue a certificate. It should include their field, vocational and professional areas. Issuing a diploma after completion of two years, and a Bachelor’s degree after completing a three-year programme. And a digital Acclaimed Bank of Credit is to be set up by the government, to keep a tab on credits earned from different institutions to ensure seamless counting in the final degree earned.
This new and reformed education system has ensured a holistic approach to train and educate young minds. And this reform was long overdue!
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