National Education Policy 2020

This article is about the recent education policy of the Government of India. For the bygone policies, see National Policy on Education.

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.[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] 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 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.

  1. ^ Nandini, ed. (29 July 2020). "New Education Policy 2020 Highlights: School and higher education to see major changes". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 30 July 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  2. ^ Jebaraj, Priscilla (2 August 2020). "The Hindu Explains | What has the National Education Policy 2020 proposed?". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 2 August 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  3. ^ Vishnoi, Anubhuti (31 July 2020). "No switch in instruction medium from English to regional languages with NEP '20: HRD". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 15 July 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Chopra, Ritika (2 August 2020). "Explained: Reading the new National Education Policy 2020". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 1 August 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  6. ^ "Education in Mother Tongue". www.pib.gov.in. Archived from the original on 23 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  7. ^ "মমালোন্দা লাইরিক তম্বা". pib.gov.in (in Manipuri). Archived from the original on 23 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2023.


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