National Education Policy 2020

Education plays a key role in achieving full human potential. The development of a country, equality in society and scientific advancement are possible only with quality of education.  When people of a country are well educated, they significantly contribute to their families and society in various fields.  With the right educational qualifications and skills a citizen can get opportunities in the country as well as globally.  Education reduces unemployment, provides skilled resources for the industries and world class teaching faculty etc. which ultimately help in the development of a country.

Indian is the second largest demographic country.  India is the largest adolescent and youth population country. As per UNFPA India will continue to have one of the youngest populations in the world up to 2030.  Nearly 28 percent of the Indian population is under 14 year and it becomes a challenge to provide high quality educational opportunities to young India.  To fulfil the educational needs of the younger population of India, the Indian Government implemented a new “National Education Policy-2020”.

        The National Education Policy-2020 was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020.  The new policy of education is the replacement of the National Policy on Education 1986.  The main aim of the new National Educational Policy (NEP-2020) is universalization of education from pre primary school to secondary education.  The new education policy is a comprehensive framework for primary education to higher education as well as vocational education in both rural and urban areas.  As per the National Education Policy no child loses any opportunity to learn because of circumstances of their birth or background.  National Educational policy aims to increase the enrollment of the children 100% by 2030.

The Fundamental Principles of NEP-2020

• Recognizing, Identifying and Nourishing the exceptional capabilities of each student, by sensitizing teachers as well as parents to promote each student’s all round development.

• Highest priority to achieving Foundational literacy and numeracy by all students by class 3.

• Flexibility to Learners, to choose their own trajectories and programmes, and thereby choose their paths in life according to their interest and talent.

• No separation between arts and sciences, between curricular and extracurricular activities, between vocational and non vocational courses in order to eliminate differences in learning. 

• Multidisciplinary and holistic education across the sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities and sports to ensure the unity and integrity of all knowledge.

• Conceptual education rather than regular learning for exams.

• Creativity and Logical thinking to encourage decision making and innovations. 

• Ethics, Human values and Constitutional values like empathy, respect for others, democratic spirit, service, respect public property, liberty, responsibility, pluralism, equality and justice etc..

• Promote Multilingualism and power of language in teaching and learning.

• Life skills such as communication, cooperation, teamwork and resilience.

• Focusing on Formative assessment for learning rather than summative assessment.

• Use of Technology in teaching and learning, remove language barriers, increasing access for Divyanga(Physically Disabled) students and educational planning and management.

• Respect for diversity and respect for the local context in all curriculum, pedagogy, and policy, always keeping in mind that education is a concurrent subject.

• Full equity and inclusion as the cornerstone of all educational decisions to ensure that all students are able to thrive in the educational system. 

• Synergy in curriculum across all levels of education from early childhood education to higher education. 

• The teachers and Faculty are the heart of the learning process. Recruitment, continuous professional development, working environment and service conditions. 

• Regular framework to ensure integrity, transparency and resource efficiency of the educational system.

• World class research for outstanding education and development.

• Continuous reviews based on sustained research and regular assessment by educational experts. 

Why National Education Policy-2020?

• A rootedness and pride in India, and its rich, diverse, ancient and modern culture and knowledge system and traditions.

• Education is a public service, access to quality of education must be considered a basic right of every child.

• Substantial investment in a strong, vibrant public education system as well as the encouragement and facilitation of true philanthropic private and community participation.

The Vision of NEP-2020

        The National Education Policy-2020 envisions an education system rooted in Indian mannerism that contributes directly to transforming India, sustainably into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society, by providing standard education to all, making India a global knowledge Centre.  The curriculum and pedagogy of institutions must develop among the students a sense of respect towards fundamental duties and constitutional values, bonding with one country.  The vision of the policy is to fill among the learners a deep rooted pride being Indian, not only thought, but also in spirit, intellect and deeds, as well as develop knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions that support responsible commitment to human rights, sustainable development and living, and global well being, thereby reflecting a truly global citizen