New Education Policy 2020

Yesterday on the 29th of July, The New Education Policy was launched. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javedkar, and Human Resource Development Ramesh Pokhriyal made the announcement on NEP 2020(New Education Policy). The aim of the new education policy in 2020 is to make India a global knowledge superpower. This year’s academic session got delayed due to the novel CoronaVirus and will happen to begin from September-October. The government is also aiming to introduce these policies before the session begins in the country. So let’s see what are the major changes made in the NEP 2020. 

 

Education Sector to receive 6.1% of GDP instead of 1.7%

Earlier the education sector only received 1.7% of the GDP which is too low for a developing country like India. Now in the NEP 2020, the education sector is going to receive 6% of GDP to strengthen the education sector.

 

There will be more focus on vocational studies at the school level

During grades 6-8, every child shall learn at least one vocation and be exposed to several others. For Instance, Carpentry, Pottery, Gardening, Electric Work, Metal Work, etc have been decided by States and Local communities. In the year 2025, at least 50% of the students shall have exposure to vocational exposure.

 

There will be internship opportunities for learning Vocational subjects during grades 6-12 including holidays. Also, there will be a 10 day bagless period for some time during grades 6-12  to learn from local vocational experts such as carpenters, potters, artists, etc.

 

Dedicated Unit for digital and online learning

Building strong digital infrastructure to promote online education for being prepared to face any epidemics or pandemics so that there is an alternative to continue learning among children.

 

Minimum qualification increased for teaching

A new National Curricular Framework for Teacher education will be formulated by the NCTE in consultation with NCERT. By 2030, the minimum qualification for teaching will be a 4-year Integrated BEd degree. Strict action will be undertaken against substandard stand-alone education institutions.

 

 A common regulatory body for higher education 

The Higher education commission of India decided to set up a single body for the entire higher education system except for Legal and Medical education. HECI will have independent verticals for funding, regulation, standard-setting, and for accreditation. 

 

The medium of instruction will be compulsory in local/regional language up to grade 8

The local or regional language will be used for instructions up to grade 5 but most preferably up to grade 8. 

 

No hard separation among different stream students 

There will be no hard separation among extra-curricular, or co-curricular or between vocational or academic streams. These activities will be incorporated throughout the school curriculum. 

Also, the students will be exposed to more choices of subjects to study, specifically in secondary school. Including subjects like physical education, arts and crafts, and vocational skills. 

 

Content will be focused on the idea, application and problem solving

The mandatory content will primarily focus on key concepts, applications, and problem-solving. Teaching will be incorporated in a more interactive manner for better learning.

 

Curricular content will be reduced

Curricular content will be reduced in each subject and will only consist of essentials to make space for critical thinking concepts, holistic approach, analyzing, and discussing based learning.  

 

Regular medical check-ups for school going children

The nutritional and health will be taken into account. With the help of healthy meals, regular checkups, a report card will be issued to monitor the health of students. 

 

Adult learning will be introduced to tech-based options like Apps, Tv-channels, etc 

There will be quality technology-based options for adult learning. For instance, online courses, satellite-based TV channels, online books, etc will be developed. 

 

NTA to introduce common entrance exams

The National Testing Agency will offer quality common aptitude tests as well as common subjects exams in the science, humanities, languages, art, and vocational, at least twice every year for university entrance exams.  

 

Importance of board exams will be reduced

To reduce stress of board exams, the exams will be conducted twice a year in two parts: Descriptive and Objective. The aim of the Board exam is to promote knowledge application instead of rote learning. 

 

Coding will be included from grade 6

The school education secretary said that coding will be taught from grade 6 onwards in schools as part of the 21st-century skills

 

So these were the key takeaways from the new education policy 2020.

India made changes in its education policy after 34 years which is a huge gap. Now let’s hope that these changes benefit and reach the students across the country.