The first ever National Educational Policy of India was created in 1986 and was later modified for the first time in 1992. This was a time period when drastic changes were happening, not only in India but also everywhere around the world. People slowly realised how important education is no matter what gender, caste, class or religion they belong to. The National Education Policy was created to facilitate educational processes in the country in various ways.
After nearly 3 decades, the New National Education Policy was approved in 2020. This was done to introduce new and modern ways of education in the country. The implementation of this new education policy will begin in 2024. This policy was initiated by the Ministry of Human Resource Development which has now been renamed to the Ministry of Education. Five main focus points have been kept in mind before the launch of this policy. These main focus points are equity, accountability, access, quality, and affordability.
The need for a new education policy
Earlier, many loopholes existed in the education system that often went unnoticed. A lot of emphases was placed on memorisation of the things that were being taught in schools instead of practical learning. Students were being taught traditional subjects instead of any vocational skills that may help them in real life. Adding to that many education boards existed in the country, and all of them had a different testing method for students. This created a chaotic situation in the education system. A more uniform, experience-based structure needed to be created for students and teachers alike. This is the main reason why a new education policy was approved.
The task of creating a new education policy was led by the former chief of the Indian space research organisation, K Kasturirangan. He, along with many other education specialists, sat down and discussed all the drawbacks of the current education system and how they can be changed. They created an amalgamation of all the changes that should take place to make the education system better and smoother. These changes were ultimately approved by the Ministry of Education
Main features of the new education policy
- The age limit of compulsory schooling will be changed. Earlier, the age limit used to be 6 to 14 years, and now it is going to be 3 to 18 years. This shows us that the government has emphasised providing pre-school and higher-level education to everyone. The education system now becomes 12 years long, with three years of pre-schooling. Also, the old-school curriculum followed a 10+2 structure. Under the new educational policy, this structure will be changed. A new structure of 5+3+3+4 will be followed, catering to ages 3 to 8, 8 to 11, 11 to 14, and 14 to 18 years respectively. A lot of focus and attention will be given to early childhood development in terms of education.
- Under the new education policy, a lot of emphasis will be put on educating children in their native language or mother tongue. It has been proven that children learn things quickly if they are being taught in their native language or the language they speak at home. The “three-language formula” will be put in place and children can choose to communicate in whatever language they prefer in school. No child will be forced to study just one language. This policy will be implemented in both public and private schools up till grade 5th and not beyond eighth grade.
- As of now, a lot of commissions and organisations exist to govern and look after different streams of higher education. All commissions will be eliminated and a single umbrella council will be formed. This will be known as the Higher Education Commission of India and it will take care of all sections of higher education, except legal and medical education. In the next 15 years, the government will cut down any college affiliations and colleges will be given autonomy in how they wish to handle their structure.
- In India, the three main streams of education that existed in high schools were science, commerce, and arts. With the new education policy, these distinctions will be removed. Students will be able to choose their subjects instead of choosing streams. The Ministry of Education is also planning to introduce internships within the school years for students to learn vocational skills.
- Changes will also take place in university-level education. Students can now opt to study for 4 years in college with various exit options. If a student wishes to leave college after the first or second year, they will be given a certificate or diploma. If they wish to end their graduation in three years, they will be given a bachelor’s degree. Students will also be able to store their educational credits under the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).
- Under the NEP, any student would be able to access education. Education should be a holistic and inclusive experience, and no child should be left behind. To ensure that students are studying well, their performance and progress will also be dragged from time to time. No one form of education will be imposed on the students. They will be able to choose any teaching method they prefer whether informal or formal. A vocational education course will also be introduced in schools.
These are some of the many changes that will be implemented under the New National Education Policy in 2024. The features of the policy look very promising and will surely shape the future of the students of the country.
