The Union Cabinet in July 2020 introduced a newly formed education policy for the country. In this policy, students will be provided with a new education syllabus, schemes, and advisories which can help the students to learn better. Digital Education plays a key role in this education policy and hence, coding will be taught from class 6 onwards.
In this article, we will discuss how the changes in the NEP could change the way children get educated and what are pros and cons associated with them.
Some Important Highlight from New Education Policy
With the New Education Policy, a leap toward the new India has been made by focusing on the younger generation and educating them with the best of knowledge.
Earlier, National Policy on Education, 1989 was followed throughout the country which needed reforms, and in January 2015, a committee under former Cabinet Secretary T. S. R. Subramanian started the consultation process for the New Education Policy.
Under this committee’s guidance, it was acknowledged that India needed an improved education policy that can help students of India to stage equally to the global competitions. Therefore, a draft NEP was submitted in 2019 followed by the introduction of the NEP. The following are some of the highlights from New Education Policy-
- Emphasis has been made to promote multilingual education of Indian Languages and prime importance is given to the local language of the student. The medium of education until at least class 5th will be in local language preferably until class 8th
- The National Education Commission is now headed by the Prime Minister of India
- Research and Innovation are the major areas where this education policy focuses on. Students will have an option to choose specific subjects that can help them in learning, research, and innovate about the specific field like quantum physics, genetic engineering, etc.
- Academic Bank of Credit, a digital storage of credits earned to help resume education by utilizing credits for further education
- Gender Inclusion Fund, for assisting the nation in the education of female and transgender children
- There will be only three examinations instead of every year i.e 2nd,5th and 8th, class to reduce pressure on students.
AIM Of NEP and Why New Education Policy is Introduced?
The policy focuses on the overall development of an individual right from the class 1st. This education policy empowers students to study one or more specialized areas of interest at a deeper level and also develop a scientific temperament towards education. It will attract creativity, character development and equip students with 21st-century capabilities.
How NEP will Affect your Child’s Education?
The NEP came up with many different changes tight from the class 1st. The “10 + 2” structure will be replaced with a “5+3+3+4” model which are divided into 4 stages-
Foundation Stage- Preschool or Anganwadi, 1st class, and 2nd class
Preparatory Stage- 3rd-5th class
Middle Stage-6th to 8th class
Secondary Stage-9th to 12th class
There will be only three examinations instead of every year i.e 2nd,5th and 8th, class to reduce pressure on students. 10th and 12th class board will be conducted as usual with improved exam design.
For higher education, a multi-disciplinary bachelor program of 4 years with multiple exit options for the candidates will be offered. The exit options are as follows-
- A certificate after completing 1 year of study
- A diploma after completing 2 years of study
- A Bachelor’s degree after completion of a 3-year program
- A 4-year multidisciplinary Bachelor’s degree (the preferred option)
The NEP’s primary focus is to provide quality education with a holistic approach which not only improves a student’s knowledge but intellect and creativity as well. The reduced exam load will ensure students will be provided with adequate time to spend on extracurricular activities like sports, music, dance, etc.
The Benefits of New Education Policy
The following are some of the benefits that the New Education Policy has to offer-
- It will provide a scientific temperament to the students from a young age
- The NEP will put an end to mugging up and work on the practical education of the student
- A global standard of education will be given to the students from rural and urban areas making it equitable, which was not the case earlier
- Foreign colleges and institutes can now set up their campus in India which can help those students who were leaving India for foreign education abroad
- Academic Bank of Credit, a digital storage of credits earned to help resume education by utilizing credits for further education
- Students can now learn coding from class 6th which will improve their computer ability right from the beginning
Cons of New Education Policy
The following are the cons of New Education Policy-
- The biggest drawback of the policy is the implementation. For the past 30 years, the National Education Policy of 1986 was in use and now transitioning from that to New Education Policy could lead to many dispurancies but it does not mean it wasn’t needed. It is a much-needed change that will help India in becoming a global leader.
- Another con of NEP is the language, Students will be provided with education on their regional language with other languages as optional including English. India is the 2nd largest English speaking country and many MNC’s seek trained professionals who speak good English. This could lead to problems, especially in the private sector jobs.
Conclusion
With the introduction of the New Education Policy, students will be provided with a quality education that would make them educated and intelligent. The practical part of learning is prioritized will make the education a value-based education. Although there are few drawbacks in the NEP, these drawbacks can be easily improved upon if the implementation of the policy is smooth.