Interview l Examining NEP 2020 with Rahul Dev and Ratan Sharda-

The Union Government last week approved a historic amendment by announcing the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) which aims to 'reform' the education system from rote learning to retaining the 'core essentials'. Along with the introduction of the new education policy, the HRD Ministry, that looks into the country’s education system, will also be renamed as the Ministry of Education.

 

 

 

Not only does the new structure plan to reduce board exams to 'low stakes' and test 'experiential learning and critical thinking' instead of rote learning, but it has also completely altered the existing 10+2 structure in schools by introducing the 5+3+3+4 pedagogical structure. The new structure for the school education system does not change the number of years. However, in terms of the stages – playschool, kindergarten, primary, secondary and high secondary classes – there is a significant revision.

 

 

The approval of the NEP by the government is a positive step forward. NEP is the outcome of an extensive, highly participatory and inclusive consultation process. It aims at meeting existing challenges in education and building the foundation of India’s promising future It is a progressive shift towards a more scientific approach to education. The 5+3+3+4 structure walks with the ability of the child, stages of cognitive development as well as social and physical awareness. If implemented in its true vision, the new structure would bring India at par with the leading countries of the world.