It is very rightly said that “good education is the foundation to a better future.” With the National Education Policy 2020 coming into action there are plenty of benefits that come with it for students.
The National Education Policy 2020 was adopted at the opportune time to support the process and ambition of establishing high-quality institutions, an innovative culture, and a highly qualified workforce.
The Indian government has made a historic move by replacing the 34-year-old National Policy on Education, which was drafted in 1986, with the New Education Policy of 2020. The National Education Policy, which was adopted by the Union Cabinet, has brought dramatic changes to the Indian educational system.
Here’s a few important highlights that parents should take note of from this particular policy.
Schooling to begin from the age of 3 years
The updated policy raises the age range for compulsory schooling from 6 to 18 years. This new system will encompass 12 years of formal education and three years of Anganwadi/pre-school education. The current 10+2 school curriculum framework will be replaced by a 5+3+3+4 curricular structure that corresponds to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years.
Internships and vocational education from Class 6
In schools, vocational education will begin in the sixth grade and will include informal internships.
Separation between subject streams will be blurred
According to NEP 2020, tight distinctions between subject streams will be eliminated. Students will have the freedom to study any subjects they want across all streams.
Mother tongue to be mandated as a medium of instruction
The National Education Policy 2020 has placed a strong emphasis on students’ mother tongue as a medium of instruction, while remaining true to the “three language formula” and ensuring that no language is pushed on anyone. The policy states that, wherever practicable, the mother tongue/local language/regional language will be the medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, but preferably until Grade 8 and beyond, in both public and private schools.
A Single Higher Education Overarching Body
The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) will now establish a single overarching umbrella body for all higher education, with the exception of medical and legal education. Both public and private higher education institutions must follow the same set of regulations, accreditation, and academic standards. In 15 years, the government plans to phase out college affiliation, and a stage-by-stage framework for providing colleges graded autonomy would be formed.
The FYUP Program Is Back, and There Will Be No More Dropouts:
The undergraduate degree will last either three or four years. During this time, students will be provided a variety of escape options. If a student wishes to leave after one year in a discipline or field, including vocational and professional fields, colleges must award a certificate, a diploma after two years of study, or a Bachelor’s degree after completing a three-year programme. The government will develop an Academic Bank of Credit to digitally store academic credits earned at various Higher Educational Institutions so that they can be transferred and tallied toward a final degree.
It’s crucial to remember that education is a never-ending process, which is why it’s critical to emphasize the importance of connecting education to the environment. Life skills development has received increasing emphasis in the educational process as a result of the NEP’s awareness of their value.
“Education is perhaps the most popular weapon you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
Conclusion
The National Education Policy aims to provide a lot of flexibility and convenience to students with which Institutions can place themselves at par with the International Higher Education Institutions, all while cultivating the brightest minds.
