How New Education Policy 2021 is Transforming the Indian Education System?

How New Education Policy 2021 is Transforming the Indian Education System?

The National Policy on Education (NPE) was first framed in 1986 and modified in 1992. Since then, many changes have occurred in society and the country's economy. So the education sector needs to pull its socks towards the 21st century, which is why New Education Policy 2021 has been introduced recently to transform the Indian education system.

National Education Policy 2020 replaces the 34-year-old policy with remarkable changes. The Indian Government introduced it in 2020 to build an equitable society backed by a highly skilled workforce. In other words, the New Education Policy 2021 is a holistic attempt to instil 21stcentury skills and creativity among students.

The Department of Higher Education, MHRD states that NEP 2020 aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education, including vocational education, from 26.3% (2018) to 50% by 2035, and 3.5 crore new seats will be added to higher education institutions.

The New 5+3+3+4 Education Structure The National Education Policy 2020 replaces the old 10+2 education system with a new 5+3+3+4 education structure. According to the new policy, kids will spend five-year in the Foundational stage, three-year in the Preparatory stage, three-year in the Middle stage, and four-year in the Secondary phase. Listed below is an age-wise breakdown of the different stages of the new 5+3+3+4 formula:

5 Years of Foundational Stage   

It is for three to eight-year kids.

Anganwadi/pre-school classes for classes 1 to 2.

This foundational stage will focus on activity- or play-based teaching methods and developing the kid's language skills.

3 Years of Preparatory Stage    

The preparatory stage is for 8 to 11-year-old children.

This stage comes under classes for 3 to 5.

The stage focuses on language development and numeracy skills.

In this stage, the school would focus on activity and play-based learning for kids so they do not get bored. Teachers will also encourage classroom interactions.

3 Years of Middle Stage   

The middle stage is for 11 to 14-year kids studying in classes 6 to 8.

This stage will shift the education system significantly because it focuses on core learning objectives.

In middle school, kids will be taught subjects like sciences, arts, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities.

4 Years Of Secondary Stage For students between 14 to 18 years, this stage is further divided into two phases: classes 9 and 10 and 11 and 12.

Students get the complete flexibility to choose between different subjects.

Moreover, National Education Policy 2020 contains several directives related to:        

Uniform Curriculum and Pedagogy in Schools Standard-setting and Accreditation for School Learning Inclusive and Equitable Education Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (which is an essential prerequisite to learning) Effective Governance and Efficient Resourcing Curtailing Dropout Rates and Ensuring Worldwide Access to Learning at all Levels Promotion of Indian Languages Early Childhood Care and Education

The New Education Policy 2021 brings multiple reforms to the education system and is full of unique considerations for the country's learners. The main goal of this policy is to make learning more flexible, vibrant, holistic, and multidisciplinary. It will undoubtedly prepare students to survive in today's highly competitive world.

Students are experiencing fun-filled, stress-free, stress-free, and holistic learning as most schools implement the 5+3+3+3+4 education structure. The New Education Policy 2021 will come into full force in the coming years and produce literate, young, adaptable, skilled, and internationally recognized personalities. However, many schools still have not applied the revised policy. Hopefully, they will implement it soon when they see students' growth and development in other NEP-compliant schools.