The Indian education system is like a buffet. It has a plethora of options for every individual’s taste and preferences. This varied education system makes it a lucrative option for locals and foreigners alike. But to keep it relevant, the government takes certain policy measures from time to time as a maintenance measure. And when it’s time to restructure the whole system, they introduce a policy document called the National Education Policy. This document isn’t just a piece of paper but a blueprint to give the Indian education system a complete makeover.
What is the National Education Policy?
The NEP is a detailed document that outlines the development of education in India. It enlists the structure of education from the elementary level all the way up to the higher education level. The first NEP came out in 1964 when the government’s vision and philosophy towards education were criticized. The next versions came out in 1968 and then came the revolutionary one in 1986 which gave India the 10+2 structure it currently follows. Now this Policy must be differentiated from curriculum changes that are made from time to time to ensure the content being taught is updated. The NEP aims at changing the structure and pedagogy of teaching involved in the education system and hence is hailed as a revolutionary document.
So what is the NEP 2020 proposing?
Among the other changes that attempt to change the Indian Education System in and out, the boldest goal of this NEP is to get a 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio in schools by 2030. Here are some more changes that it is suggesting to bring to the current system:
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The current 10+2 education structure will be abolished. In its place, the government aims at implementing a 5+3+3+4 starting with students of 3 years of age at anganwadis to 18 years old in their 12th year of education or the Secondary Stage.
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Easing class 10 and 12 exams and bringing higher emphasis on skill/ implementation based learning. Furthermore, vocational training will be introduced from grade 6 onwards along with internships to help improve the practical knowledge of students.
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Change in the language of teaching to regional/local language until class 5 at least and class 8 preferably. This is being done with a view to ensuring that more children get easy access to primary education. Changing the language of delivery means more people can now understand what is being taught and hence increases participation in schools.
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Since teachers play a crucial role in the student’s development, the government intends to introduce a multidisciplinary 4-year B.Ed program to ensure teachers get holistic training which is then passed on to students. There will also be strategic monitoring to ensure redundant or substandard teacher education institutions are shut down. This is again with a view to ensure that India produces only the best teaching faculty hat ensure the quality education of students
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Universities across the country are also to start offering multidisciplinary programs to allow students to explore more career options. Additionally, more higher education institutions that deliver education in regional/local languages will be set up to also increase the enrolment rates in our higher education institutes.
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A regulatory body called the National Education Alliance for Technology (NEAT) will be set up to introduce technology into the teaching mechanisms to improve learning. The NEAT will also focus on using AI to personalize learning and hence improve the overall performance of each student.
Who stands to benefit out of the NEP 2020?
The biggest benefits quite obviously go to students in schools all over the country. The biggest change here is the inclusion of early childhood education into the standard education model. This implies that now we will be able to focus on a child’s development right from the years when development begins. The new 5+3+3+4 structure followed by 4 years of higher education also brings our education system at par with other developed nations like the USA. This structure parity will open new doors for students to go abroad and students from other countries to enter India since now education standards will be similar. The parity is further increased by the fact that skill-building and vocational training is being added to the school’s program. This will further give students to gain skills to compete at an international level.
The cherry on the cake would be the introduction of multidisciplinary education at a higher level (graduate level). Holistic education would automatically mean that the student gets more employment and education opportunities post thor graduate studies. This would also mean that now students can explore the field they like rather than burn out or stay stuck in a conventional opportunity for years.
With the opening of so many opportunities confusion in the selection of fields or streams or subjects may be evident. That is where we at Aura Sikshana can help you. Our trained career counselor can help you identify the field that will bring you the best results. Contact us today to get more information on career and education choices.
