A Look Into the Key Features of the New Education Policy 2021

Posted by LEAD on April 10th, 2023

Education is essential to improve a student’s potential and skills in today's thriving and highly competitive world. India is the world's largest populated area with approx 365 million youth to provide the finest facilities to them.  

India's education system has been functioning on an old teaching and learning approach for more than three decades. So, it is the right time to change the old policy to bring a positive change in the Indian education system, as these changes have been long overdue and will contribute to futuristic education.

New Education Policy 2021 (NEP 2021) takes forward our education system towards international standards, which will impact the future of Indian education. It aims to boost education investment from 4.4% of India’s GDP to 6%, and millions of students’ lives will change for an improved future if this new policy is implemented with the thought behind it.

New Education Policy 2021 – An Overview

The Union Cabinet of India approved the New Education Policy to develop a learning system that directly contributes to the country’s transformation by delivering the best learning to students of all ages.

New Education Policy 2021 focuses on numerous key areas, with early childhood education being one of them. Following are the points that make individuals understand better why it is necessary for the education sector –

• Changes in School Curriculum and Pedagogy

• Changes in the Process of Teacher Recruitment

• Equitable and Inclusive Education

• Single Regulations for All Levels of School Education

• Promoting Regional/Local Language

• Assessment Reforms

• Standard Setting and Accreditation Program       

The new National Education Policy 2021 aims to transform the education system in India by providing access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability. This new policy improves the quality of education while strengthening India as a global superpower.

What Are the Important Features of the New Education Policy 2021?

The New Education Policy 2021 finds that teachers are the spine of the education system and seeks to offer them the professional development they want to deliver excellent education to young minds.

The change from the traditional to the new learning system makes India a worldwide choice as  a dynamic, high-quality, and varied education hub.

Given below are some of the key features of the New Education Policy 2021, which will enhance the education scenario in India –

• One essential feature of this policy is flexibility for educators and learners.

• Equal promotion of other extra-curricular activities so that kids can pick as per their interests.

• Promotion of multilingualism and the use of mother language as a medium of instruction in schools.

• Multi-disciplinary approach (across the sciences, social sciences, arts, sports and humanities); emphasis on conceptual rather than rote learning; critical and creative thinking.

• Cultivating professional life skills like cooperation, teamwork, resilience, and empathy

• Introduction of a new curriculum 5+3+3+4 structure.

• Increased investment in the education sector, with a target of spending 6% of GDP.

• Integration of vocational education and skills training at every level.

• Emphasis on basic literacy and numeracy in the early years of schooling.

• Creation of a National Educational Technology Forum to promote the use of technology in learning.

New Education Policy 2021 – 5+3+3+4 Structure

Early Childhood Care and Education focuses on four key areas: Universal Access, Foundational Learning, Multifaceted Learning and Preparatory Classes. So, have a look at the listed new 5+3+3+4 curriculum.

5 Years of Foundational Stage

• For Ages: 3 to 8, classes 1 – 2

• For classes: Anganwadi/pre-school

• Focus on multilevel, flexible, activity- or play-based developing children and training method's language skills and knowledge.

3 Years of Preparatory Stage

• For Ages: 8 to 11, classes: 3 to 5

• Focus on basic learning and raising students' basic literacy and numeracy skills.

• Subjects like Art, Mathematics and Science will be introduced to students.

3 Years of Middle Stage

• For Ages: 11 to 14, classes: 6 to 8

• Kids will study core and life skills.

• Kids will learn the concepts of science, humanities, arts, social sciences and mathematics.

4 Years of Secondary Stage

• For Ages: 14 to 18, classes: 9 to 12

• This phase is divided into two phases: the first is Classes 9 and 10, and the second is Classes 11 and 12.

• It covers deep understanding, and students can select their favourite stream they want to study in 11 and 12th classes.

As per the New Education Policy 2021, a National Curriculum Framework — a comprehensive curriculum to guide the development and growth of learning in the country — is being developed.

New Education Policy 2021 is based on the three paradigm shifts which guide the National Curriculum Framework:

• Transitioning to holistic and multidisciplinary learning.

• Transitioning to an emphasis on analytical thinking rather than rote learning.

• Transitioning to a new pedagogical and curricular structure.

The National Curriculum Framework serves as a principle for creating and designing the syllabus and reforming teaching practices in the country. It is an essential component of NEP 2020, which enables this transformation in line with the approaches of the new policy.

Conclusion

According to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) report, the sole aim of NEP 2021 is to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in education, including vocational one, from 26.3% in 2018 to 50% by 2035.

The NEP 2020 brings significant changes in India’s education system and makes it more holistic, innovative and inclusive. In short, with the new policy, kids will become more innovative and creative, and the productivity of teachers will also increase.