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NEP 2020 Complete Implementation Guiding Principles Scope, and More

NEP 2020 Complete Implementation: Guiding Principles Scope, and More

Education is the most critical tool and a key driver for India’s economic progress. And by far, NEP 2020 is the most legendary step in revamping the entire education sector.

While most of us already know that the New Education Policy will be implemented from the academic year 2025-26, there is still some confusion regarding the smooth implementation of this policy.

How is the new NEP different from the previous policies?

And what are the guiding principles, scope, and challenges of this new policy?

Let’s unfold these aspects together and prepare ourselves for a full-fledged implementation of the New Education Policy in the upcoming academic year.

Read on.

What are the Guiding Principles of NEP 2020?

  • Holistic development- Fostering the capabilities of a student for holistic development.
  • Prioritizing foundational literacy- Making foundational literacy a priority for all students by grade 3.
  • New age learning- Shifting the focus from old-age methods like rote learning to strengthen deep understanding.
  • Multilingualism- Using the power of language to improve outcomes, especially in the initial years of schooling.
  • Life skills- Developing skills like collaboration, resilience, communication, etc. in students.
  • Use of technology- Enhancing learning experiences with the help of modern technologies for all types of students including special ones.
  • Inclusion- Reducing drop-out rates and extending educational opportunities to all students despite their unique needs.
  • Community participation- Creating a strong public education system with private and community participation.

After these principles of the National Education Policy NEP 2020, let’s discuss the scope of our New Education Policy.

What is the Scope of the New Education Policy 2020?

Student centricity- Aims to create a completely student-centric model with more flexibility with subject choices, online education, and teaching pedagogies.

Competency-based system- Replacing mundane and outdated methods like rote learning completely with the competency-based system to develop thinking skills in students.

Design thinking- Developing design thinking through curricular and pedagogical initiatives.

Curriculum and structure- Replacing the existing 10+2 structure with a new one 5+3+3+4 (including the ECCE within the mainstream system)

Inclusion- Extending equal educational opportunities with better handholding, financial support, and infrastructure development.

Continuous and comprehensive evaluation- Discouraging coaching culture by promoting regular formative assessments.

Teacher education- Improving teacher recruitment, working conditions, and professional development opportunities for teachers.

Technology integration- Promoting the use of technology to remove language barriers, support disabled students, and improve the overall educational planning.

Skill-based education- Encouraging collaboration between school boards to promote skill-based learning in order to equip students with 21st-century skills.

After the scope of the National Education Policy 2020, it’s time to explore the aspects that make this policy different from the others.

Landmark Initiatives of New Education Policy 2020 That Stand Out?

Financing Education

The expenditure on education by the Indian government did see an increasing trend. However, it touched a legendary mark for the first time with the NPE 2020. Unlike other education policies (such as the Education Policy 1986), the NEP 2020 has a budget allocation of 6% of the GDP (by both state and central governments).

The new education policy facilitates student exchanges, research, training, and academic collaboration between Indian and foreign higher educational institutions. So this budget is crucial to implement these steps successfully.

Systematic Implementation

The National Education Policy 2023 was initially implemented in 2023. However, it requires a smooth implementation plan to make it a complete success. The policymakers suggest synergy across the responsible bodies to ensure a seamless implementation plan. These bodies include the CABE, Union and State Governments, Boards, education-related Ministries, MHRD, State Departments of Education, SCERTs, NCERT, etc. (Point number 27 -Implementation).

Building Digital Infrastructure

To make the most of digital technology, the New Education Policy suggests key initiatives like never before. This includes building a robust digital infrastructure and introducing e-learning platforms like DIKSHA, SWAYAM, and similar tools within the system. The NEP also suggests the creation of a high-quality digital repository of content including coursework, games, etc. in different languages. Unlike the previous policies such as the Education Policy 1986, the new NEP focuses on fun-based learning.

Teacher Training Duration

The New Education Policy also covers teacher training in detail. It suggests a 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year B. Ed course. By 2030, the higher education institutes are proposed to start a 4-year integrated B. Ed course. These institutes can also continue with the 2-year course for students with a Bachelor’s degree. Another 1-year B. Ed course can be started for students with a 4-year undergraduate degree in the specialized subject.

Addressing Inclusion

Our National Education Policy 2023 addresses inclusion-related issues through a planned approach. This policy suggests certain concrete steps to visualize the dream of universal inclusion in India. These steps are as follows:

  • Setting clear targets
  • Focusing on gender balance
  • Lay aside government funds
  • Develop teaching support
  • Provide financial help/scholarships to students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds
  • Carry out outreach programs
  • Develop technology tools
  • Make the admission process and the curriculum inclusive
  • Conducting counseling and mentoring programs
  • Develop bridge courses
  • Create institutional development plans
  • Ensuring the availability of medical equipment/aids/infrastructure
  • Follow no-discrimination and anti-harassment rules

After these initiatives, let’s discuss the challenges.

What are the Challenges in Implementing the National Education Policy?

As an attempt to revamp India’s education system, the National Education Policy 2020 does seem promising. However, it is not easy to execute it seamlessly across the nation.

Here’s a look at some survey findings:

As per the Centre for Educational and Social Studies:

Only 40% of the higher education institutions were ready to implement the National Education Policy 2020. Most of the other institutions had issues related to funds, and infrastructure, etc. to implement NEP 2020 in its full form.

Percentage of the higher education Institutions were ready to implement the NEP | nep 2020

Final Thoughts

The key aspects of NEP 2020 are promising for the Indian education system. However, a planned approach is required to implement this policy nationwide. Our country has various challenges and needs the involvement of all stakeholders to visualize the dream of accessible quality education for all.

Let’s hope that the upcoming years will unfold a new chapter in the history of the Indian education system. Till the, brace yourself for this big change in 2025!

Thanks for Reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What were the big changes introduced in the Education Policy 1986?
    The Education Policy 1986 promoted vocational learning, improved opportunities for girls, and suggested improvement in school infrastructure through the operation blackboard.
  • How does the National Education Policy NEP 2020 promise better quality education to Indian students?
    The New Education Policy 2020 offers technology-based learning opportunities, focuses on improving infrastructure for inclusion, and aims at reducing drop-out rates through multiple initiatives as well.

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