The National Education Policy of India 2020 (NEP 2020), which was started by the Union Cabinet of India on 29 July 2020, outlines the vision of new education system of India.[1] The new policy replaces the previous National Policy on Education, 1986.[a] The policy is a comprehensive framework for elementary education to higher as well as vocational training in both rural and urban India. The policy aims to transform India's education system by 2030 with the objective to universalise education and make India a global knowledge superpower.[2]
Shortly after the release of the policy, the government clarified that no one will be forced to study any particular language and that the medium of instruction will not be shifted from English to any regional language.[3] The language policy in NEP is a broad guideline and advisory in nature; and it is up to the states, institutions, and schools to decide on the implementation.[4] Education in India is a Concurrent List subject.[5]
On 1 August 2022, the Press Information Bureau informed that according to the "Unified District Information System for Education Plus" (UDISE+) 2020–21, over 28 languages are to be used in teaching and learning in grades (1–5). The languages are Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Meitei (Manipuri), Marathi, Nepali, Maithili, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, English, Bodo, Khasi, Garo, Mizo, French, Hmar, Karbi, Santhali, Bhodi and Purgi.[6][7]
A significant change in NEP from 2020 to 2023 involves, the transition from the conventional 10+2 model to the ever-growing 5+3+3+4 structure. This framework places a strong emphasis on fundamental skills and life competencies at every educational level. The new education policy for school education is based on a general formula (5+3+3+4), emphasizing that students should gain strong foundations in basic education without the pressure of language barriers, ensuring such learning at least until the 5th class. In higher education, a major change in the framework is the introduction of fast-track programs, internationally known as accelerated bachelor's degrees and short master's degrees. These modern degree structures are more aligned with the rapidly evolving needs of the job market, leveraging corporate training formats to address the reduced shelf life of conventional educational approaches. For example, they allow students to complete a bachelor's degree faster than the traditional four-year timeframe, typically in 2 to 2.5 years, by taking more classes in a shorter period. The required 120 credits are completed by taking approximately 20 credits per major term, or two courses every 4 to 5 weeks over a 4-month period, with short breaks between each term or semester. At an undergraduate level, internationally accelerated bachelor's degrees are available in subjects such as accounting, business administration, computer science, economics, finance, nursing, and psychology. They cover the same curriculum as traditional honors programs but in a condensed timeframe, enabling graduates to join the workforce earlier and make impactful contributions during their prime productive years.
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