The recent education policy of India stands as a significant reform within the education sector, with a far-reaching goal of revolutionizing the accessibility and delivery of education across the nation. This policy received the approval of the Union Cabinet of India on July 29, 2020, replacing the preceding policy from 1986. Several key features of this new policy include:
1. Introduction of a 5+3+3+4 education system, spanning the age group of 3 to 18 years. This structure comprises five foundational years (pre-primary to grade 2), three preparatory years (grade 3 to 5), three middle years (grade 6 to 8), and four secondary years (grade 9 to 12).
2. Emphasis on holistic and multidisciplinary education, allowing students to select subjects from diverse streams and pursue their personal interests. This approach also promotes experiential learning, critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.
3. Aiming for universal access and quality in education, with the objective of providing free and mandatory education from pre-primary to grade 12 for all children. Additionally, the policy strives to enhance learning outcomes, retention rates, and enrollment ratios, particularly for disadvantaged groups.
4. Proposal for a National Education Commission to serve as the apex body responsible for policy coordination and implementation. This entails the development of a National Curriculum Framework for both school and higher education, updated periodically to align with evolving societal needs.
5. Reform of the assessment and evaluation system, transitioning away from memorization and high-stakes examinations towards continuous and comprehensive evaluation. A National Assessment Centre (PARAKH) is also introduced to monitor education quality and standards nationwide.
6. Enhancement of teacher professional development and governance, focusing on qualifications, training, motivation, and empowerment. Plans include establishing National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) and a National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) to elevate teaching quality.
7. Expansion of higher education opportunities, targeting a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 50% by 2035. A National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC) is proposed as a singular governing body for higher education. The policy additionally encourages academic autonomy, research excellence, internationalization, and innovation within higher education.
The new education policy of India embodies a visionary framework with the intent of transforming the educational landscape, fostering a knowledge-based society. Its anticipated positive outcomes encompass human capital development, social equity, cultural diversity, national unity, and global competitiveness.
Education Minister of India