5+3+3+4 Curricular Structure, Emphasis On Regional Languages, Common Entrance Exam for Admission to HEIs [Read National Education Policy 2020 ]

The Union Cabinet has approved National Education Policy 2020.

'Committee for the Draft National Education Policy' which was constituted under the Chairmanship of eminent scientist Dr. K. Kasturirangan, had submitted the Draft National Education Policy, 2019 on 31st May, 2019.

Under the new policy the 10+2 structure of school curricula is to be replaced by a 5+3+3+4 curricular structure corresponding to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively. "All students will take school examinations in Grades 3, 5, and 8 which will be conducted by the appropriate authority. Board exams for Grades 10 and 12 will be continued, but redesigned with holistic development as the aim. A new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), will be set up as a standard-setting body .", the policy reads.

Under the new policy, Higher Education Commission of India(HECI) will be set up as a single overarching umbrella body the for entire higher education, excluding medical and legal education. 

For Higher Education system, the policy envisages broad based, multi-disciplinary, holistic Under Graduate education with flexible curricula, creative combinations of subjects, integration of vocational education and multiple entry and exit points with appropriate certification. UG education can be of 3 or 4 years with multiple exit options and appropriate certification within this period. For example, Certificate after 1 year, Advanced Diploma after 2 years, Bachelor's Degree after 3 years and Bachelor's with Research after 4 years. M Phil programmes to be discontinued.

The policy also gives emphasizes to mother tongue/local language/regional language which has to be the medium of instruction at least till Grade 5, but preferably till Grade 8 and beyond. "Sanskrit to be offered at all levels of school and higher education as an option for students, including in the three-language formula. Other classical languages and literatures of India also to be available as options. No language will be imposed on any student. Students to participate in a fun project/activity on 'The Languages of India', sometime in Grades 6-8, such as, under the 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat' initiative. Several foreign languages will also be offered at the secondary level. Indian Sign Language (ISL) will be standardized across the country, and National and State curriculum materials developed, for use by students with hearing impairment.", the policy reads.

National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education, NCFTE 2021, will be formulated by the NCTE in consultation with NCERT. By 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching will be a 4-year integrated B.Ed. degree, the policy states.

Click here to Read/Download NEP 2020

Click here to Read/Download NEP Summary