New Education Policy: 5 Big Changes In Schools, Higher Education Explained

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a new National Education Policy (NEP) which will bring about major reforms in the school and higher education. The new NEP will replace the 34-year-old policy which was formed under the governance of Rajiv Gandhi in 1986. This is the third time in Indian history a new NEP has been released, first in 1968 and later in 1986.

Let us take a look at what the new policy means for schools and higher education, with its takeaways and implications explained.

NEP 2020: 5 Important Changes

1. Kids Will Begin Their Schooling At 3 Years Old

Kids Will Begin Their Schooling At 3 Years Old
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The New Education Policy reforms the former mandatory schooling of 6 to 14 years to 3 to 18 years. The new structure pitches in the idea of 3 years of pre-schooling under the school curriculum for the age group of 3 to 6 years. What does it mean? It means the new policy will have 12 years of schooling education, with 3 years of pre-schooling.

The NEP focuses on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), replacing the 10+2 structure that was implemented in the previous policy of the school curriculum. The new 5+3+3+4 design is divided into four categories: foundational stage (3-8 years), preparatory (8-11 years), middle (11-14 years), and secondary education (14-18 years).

2. Children Will Be Taught In Their Regional Language Until Class 5

Children Will Be Taught In Their Regional Language Until Class 5
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The new policy of education adheres to the three-language formula but emphasizes on the medium of instruction to be the mother tongue. However, the policy also instructs that no language should be imposed on anyone. So, the mother tongue is recommended but is not compulsory to be used as a medium of instruction.

The policy stated that the schools use the mother tongue, local language, or regional language as the medium of instruction until fifth grade, and preferably till grade eight and beyond. After that, the regional or local language can be taught as and when required. This policy applies to both private as well as public schools.

3. No More NCTE, AICTE, And UGC

No More NCTE, AICTE, And UGC 
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Before we dive into the new body that will be formed in its place, let’s give you an idea of three existing bodies that currently regulate higher education. These are the National Council Of Teachers Association (NCTE), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and University Grants Commission (UGC).

Under NEP, the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), a single regulatory body will be set up with four verticals. The umbrella body will exclude medical and legal education. The regulatory body will follow the same set of norms in terms of accreditation, regulation, and academic standards.

The four verticals will be guided by the principle of transparent public disclosure and aim to use technology extensively for improved efficiency and transparency by reducing human interface. The government also plans to establish a graded autonomy to colleges.

4. No Rigid Separation Between Arts, Science, And Commerce

No Rigid Separation Between Arts, Science, And Commerce
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The new National Education Policy allows kids to choose between a range of streams from arts and sciences, academic and vocational streams, and between extra-curricular and curricular activities. Kids will also gain exposure to vocational education as early as 6th grade and will have access to internships.

5. Four-Year Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Program With Multiple Exit Options

Four-Year Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Program With Multiple Exit Options
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Under NEP 2020, undergraduate degree programs will be introduced with a three or four-year duration and offer students multiple exit options. Colleges will be instructed to provide certification to students based on whether they have completed one year, two years, or three years of education.

What do you think of the New Education Policy? We would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.

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