5-Year Progress of National Education Policy 2020
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marked a major reform in India’s education system. Five years since its approval, some changes are visible in schools and higher education. However, many initiatives face delays due to institutional and political hurdles. This article summarises key developments and ongoing challenges under the NEP framework.
Revised School Curriculum and Structure
The traditional 10+2 system has been replaced with four stages – foundational (pre-primary to class 2), preparatory (classes 3-5), middle (6-8), and secondary (9-12). The National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 defines learning outcomes for each stage. NCERT has introduced new textbooks for classes 1-8. Social science is now taught as an integrated subject combining history, geography, political science, and economics. Textbooks for classes 9-12 are expected soon.
Early Childhood and Foundational Learning
NEP aims for universal pre-primary education by 2030. NCERT’s Jaadui Pitara kits and a national Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) curriculum have been launched. States like Delhi, Karnataka, and Kerala enforce a minimum age of six for class 1 entry. Enrolment data shows a decline in class 1 numbers linked to this age rule. Challenges remain in training Anganwadi workers and improving infrastructure in early learning centres.
Focus on Foundational Skills and Credit Flexibility
The NIPUN Bharat mission targets universal literacy and numeracy by class 3. Recent surveys show average proficiency scores around 60-64%, indicating progress but also the need for improvement. The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and National Credit Framework (NCrF) are being implemented to allow flexible learning paths. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, or degrees with multiple exit options. Schools are piloting credit-based learning hours for skill development.
Higher Education Reforms and Internationalisation
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has become a key admission route, replacing multiple exams. Indian institutes have established overseas campuses in Zanzibar, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Foreign universities have started operations in India, with more approvals underway. Four-year multidisciplinary undergraduate degrees with exit options are being introduced but face faculty and infrastructure shortages.
Medium of Instruction and Language Policy
NEP encourages mother tongue or regional language instruction at least until class 5. CBSE mandates this from pre-primary to class 2, with optional continuation till class 5. NCERT is preparing textbooks in more Indian languages. However, the three-language formula remains contentious, especially in Tamil Nadu, which resists Hindi imposition.
Implementation Challenges and State-Centre Tensions
Teacher education reforms and the National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education remain pending. The proposed Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) to replace UGC is still under drafting. The Centre’s proposal for breakfast in schools was rejected by the Finance Ministry. Several states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, have resisted full NEP adoption, citing education as a concurrent subject. Funding has been withheld from these states, leading to legal disputes.
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