national-education-policy
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The five pillars of the National Education Policy 2020

Access

ACCESS

All children should have access to quality elementary education, regardless of their caste, creed, gender, or location.

icon-equity

Equity

Students should
receive individualized
support

Access

QUALITY

All students should
receive quality education

Access

Affordability

Education should be free and compulsory for students from the
ages of 3–18

Accountability

Accountability

All children should have access to quality elementary education, regardless of their caste, creed, gender, or location.

National Education Policy 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a landmark reform aimed at transforming the education system in India to make it more inclusive, flexible, and holistic. By addressing challenges at every level, the NEP 2020 envisions an education system that prepares students for a rapidly evolving future. NEP 2020’s perspective is balanced development of a student’s intellectual, emotional, mental and physical health.

NEP’s main goal is to develop the abilities of students in the use of advanced technology, research, curiosity, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurial skills, and ethical leadership.

The Dnyanranjan National Educational Project has been designed to fulfill the objectives of the educational policy and ensure its precise implementation. Here, we outline the key features of NEP 2020 as they pertain to school education.

Main Features of NEP 2020 for Schools

Universal and Inclusive Access

The NEP 2020 ensures an inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education system that nurtures creativity, designed thinking, and innovation. By empowering teachers, modernizing schools, and focusing on student-centric learning, the policy lays the foundation for a brighter future.
Universal-and-Inclusive-Access
New Structure: 5+3+3+4

New Structure: 5+3+3+4

Replacing the traditional 10+2 system, the NEP introduces a 5+3+3+4 framework designed to align with the developmental needs of students

Foundation Stage (3-8 years): Play-based and activity-based learning in preschool and grades 1-2.

Preparatory Stage (8-11 years): Focus on interactive classroom learning in grades 3-5.

Middle Stage (11-14 years): Experiential learning for grades 6-8.

Secondary Stage (14-18 years): Multidisciplinary and flexible learning for grades 9-12

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

Recognizing the importance of brain development up to the age of 6, the ECCE module introduces play-based and experiential learning using techniques such as puzzles, music, and sensorial activities. The policy includes Aanganwadis and preschools to provide foundational education that fosters creativity and curiosity, setting the stage for lifelong learning.
Early-Childhood-Care-and-Education
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy

Foundational Literacy and Numeracy

By grade 3, all students are expected to achieve foundational literacy and numeracy. This goal is supported by a five-tier implementation program at national, state, district, block, and school levels. The emphasis on early intervention ensures that students build strong learning foundations, enabling them to tackle more advanced concepts with confidence.

National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat), has been launched for ensuring that every child in the country necessarily attains foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) by the end of Grade 3, by 2026-27.

Revamped Curricula and Pedagogy

The NEP 2020 focuses on holistic growth and skill development through a learner-centric approach. It promotes problem-solving and analytical thinking, flexible subject choices that remove rigid streams, and the integration of academic, vocational, and extracurricular pursuits By minimizing curriculum overload, the policy aims to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of adapting to diverse challenges.
Support-for-Student-Needs
Language-and-Multilingualism

Language and Multilingualism

Language plays a critical role in cognitive development, and the NEP emphasizes instruction in the mother tongue at the foundational stage. The curriculum includes two Indian languages and one foreign language up to grade 5, promoting India’s linguistic diversity while enhancing understanding and retention. This multilingual approach helps students develop a deeper connection with their culture while broadening their global perspective

Assessment Reforms

The NEP introduces changes to shift the focus from rote learning to holistic development. Formative and summative assessments are complemented by PARAKH (Performance, Assessment, Review, and Analysis for Holistic Development) for consistent growth tracking. Flexible board exams with opportunities for reattempts and holistic progress cards incorporating self-assessment and peer feedback ensure that assessments become a tool for learning rather than mere evaluation

Assessment-Reforms
Support-for-Student-Needs

Support for Student Needs

To ensure equitable education, the policy provides financial aid for marginalized and special-needs students, establishes Special Education Zones and Gender Inclusion Funds, and supports schools in creating inclusive learning environments. These measures aim to bridge gaps in access and enable every child to thrive in a supportive and nurturing setting

Teacher Training and Professional Development

The policy underlines the critical role of teachers in shaping future generations. It focuses on reducing administrative workload through technology, providing continuous professional development opportunities, and emphasizing the use of modern teaching methods. By empowering educators, the NEP ensures that teaching standards remain high and students receive quality education

Teacher-Training-and-Professional-Development
School-Governance-and-Clusters

School Governance and Clusters

To improve access and quality, the NEP promotes the formation of school complexes or clusters that enable shared resources and infrastructure. Enhanced governance by supervisory bodies ensures operational efficiency, allowing schools to focus on delivering superior education. This collaborative approach addresses resource constraints and fosters a sense of community among schools

Overall Impact

The NEP 2020 ensures an inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education system that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. By empowering teachers, modernizing schools, and focusing on student-centric learning, the policy lays the foundation for a brighter educational future