NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY (NEP) 2020

 

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”, quoted by Winston Churchill states that a change is always required for the constant improvement. New National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is that change which will give an impetus to the education system of India that has been lasting since 1986. The NEP has been changed only three times, first was in 1968, second was in 1986 and now the third one is 2020. Previously, NEP was based on 10+2 schooling system but in the latest one it is going to be 5+3+3+4 system which is similar to other foreign countries like USA, UK, Germany, etc. This new education policy is going to be a gateway for good and efficacious education and practical knowledge for the students.

The 5+3+3+4 system is 5 years for the foundation stage that is 3-years for pre-primary school and 2-years for Class 1 and 2, 3 years will be for the preparatory stage that is Class 3 to 5. Further, 3 years will be for the middle stage that is Class 6 to 8, and the last 4 years will be for the secondary stage that is Class 9 to 12. Previously students were allowed to choose their subjects after Class 10 but now they will be able to choose the subjects after Class 8 and will also be allowed to opt subject as per their preference. As per NEP 2020 now students after Class 5 will have compulsory skill development classes and vocational training along with compulsory coding classes. The assessment system will be changed and students along with their teachers and friends will evaluate the performance according to NEP 2020. This is the best change that is going to be because previously due to lack of these methods there used to occur animosity among friends and with teachers. The NEP 2020 will give the preferences to practical knowledge rather than rot learning which is devasting and backlashing for the education system.

There have also been significant changes for the college system that is now students will have “Multiple Entry and Exit Option” which is the best part of the policy for college students. This option will help the college students to complete their degree with the flexibility of time duration and can also change the course after one year if they are not interested anymore. There will be now 3 years and 4 year graduation period. The student who wants a job can opt for a 3-year program and those who want to continue in the research field can opt for a 4-year program.

The NEP 2020 is overall a perfect change that will be beneficial for the education system in India but after its implementation. Every coin has its opposite side and similarly, in NEP 2020 there is some criticism. Three language policy is highly opposed by the southern states as they only speak two languages one their native language and other is English. Many people also oppose that its implementation will be too difficult. I too believe it will be difficult because in India the number of teachers is far less than what is required and all are not acquainted with good practical knowledge. The government has so planned to make training centers and make the teachers a respected job in the coming future which is a positive change.  Coming to the conclusion, NEP 2020 is laudable but the government should focus on its implementation as soon as possible with great efforts.