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Five Years of NEP 2020
Context: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, India’s third education policy since independence, promised a transformative overhaul of school and higher education. Five years later, while some reforms have taken shape, others remain stalled due to political friction, institutional delays, and implementation gaps.
What Are the Key Achievements of NEP 2020 So Far?
- School Curriculum Restructured: 10+2 system replaced with 5+3+3+4 model.
- New NCERT textbooks (Classes 1-8) integrate subjects (e.g., single Social Science book).
- Early Childhood Education (ECE) Expansion: Jaadui Pitara (NCERT’s learning kit) introduced.
- Minimum age for Class 1 set at 6 years (Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala enforcing it).
- Enrolment drop in Class 1 (2.16 crore → 1.87 crore) due to age enforcement.
- Foundational Literacy & Numeracy Push: NIPUN Bharat Mission (2021) aims for Grade 3 literacy & numeracy.
- Current average scores: 64% (language), 60% (math) – still below universal proficiency.
- Flexible Credit System in Higher Education: Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) & National Credit Framework (NCrF) allow multiple exit options (certificate after 1 year, diploma after 2, degree after 4) and inter-institution credit transfers.
- CUET for College Admissions: Common University Entrance Test (CUET) since 2022 replaces multiple entrance exams.
- Global Expansion of Indian Campuses: IIT Madras (Zanzibar), IIT Delhi (Abu Dhabi), IIM Ahmedabad (Dubai) established.
- Foreign universities like the University of Southampton setting up in India.
What Reforms Are Still in Progress?
- Board Exam Reforms: CBSE plans biannual board exams (from 2026). Two-level subjects (Standard & Higher) introduced only for Class 10 Math.
- Holistic Report Cards (PARAKH): Peer & self-assessment included, but adoption by state boards is slow.
- Four-Year UG Degrees: Central universities & Kerala have adopted, but others lack faculty & infrastructure.
- Mother Tongue as Medium of Instruction: CBSE mandates mother tongue for Pre-primary to Class 2. NCERT developing textbooks in regional languages.
What Reforms Are Stuck & Why?
- Three-Language Formula Controversy: NEP mandates 3 languages (2 Indian) but faces resistance from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra. Opposition cites “Hindi imposition” fears.
- Teacher Education Overhaul Delayed: National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE) 2021 still pending. 4-year Integrated B.Ed. faces pushback from existing programs (B.El.Ed).
- UGC Replacement (HECI) Not Yet Formed: Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) proposed but Bill still in drafting.
- Breakfast Scheme Rejected: Finance Ministry blocked proposal for pre-primary & elementary school breakfasts.
- Centre-State Friction: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal refuse PM-SHRI schools over NEP clauses. Funds withheld for non-compliance (Tamil Nadu challenged in Supreme Court).
Which Marginalised Groups Are Still Left Behind?
- Migrant Children: No portable mid-day meals, textbooks, or interstate credit transfer. Seasonal hostels (Gujarat) & worksite schools (Telangana) remain small-scale.
- De-notified & Nomadic Tribes (DNTs): Only 0.8% DNT youth reach higher education. SEED Scheme (2022) helped just 541 students in 3 years.
- Children with Disabilities (CwDs): 93.2% CBSE pass rate, but school infrastructure lags (ramps, trained teachers).
- LGBTQ+ Students: Gender Inclusion Fund exists but no anti-bullying protections or queer-inclusive curriculum.
What Are the Major Controversies Around NCF 2023?
- Centralisation Concerns: NCF micromanages syllabus, lesson plans, even assembly duration. States like Karnataka creating own curricula, rejecting NCF’s uniformity.
- NCERT Textbook Revisions: Dropped chapters (e.g., Mughal history) sparked political backlash.
- Three-Language Policy Opposition: Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra resist, fearing Hindi imposition.
