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NEP 2020 highlights its fifth anniversary, ongoing reforms, implementation challenges, controversies, and state-level pushback in India.

Major Updates

• The government continues to emphasize NEP 2020 as central to India's journey toward self-reliance and development, with expanded vocational education in schools and a multidisciplinary approach in curricula by 2025.
• Key reforms include formative assessments, increased use of AI and digital learning platforms, integration of vocational subjects, and focus on early childhood care.
• The CISCE board is revamping its curriculum to increase competency-based questions to 25% (growing to 40%) in board exams starting 2025.

About National Education Policy 2020
 
The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) is India’s first comprehensive education reform of the 21st century, aiming to transform the country’s entire education system from preschool through higher education. It was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020, replacing the 1986 Policy.
 
Vision and Objectives

• The policy’s vision is rooted in making education more equitable, accessible, and holistic, preparing students for global challenges and individual growth.
• Key objectives include universalization of education from preschool to secondary level by 2030, bridging rural-urban and gender gaps, promoting multilingualism, and fostering creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

School Education Reforms

• NEP 2020 introduced the new “5+3+3+4” curricular structure (ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, 14-18), emphasizing foundational literacy and numeracy in early years with initiatives like NIPUN Bharat and Vidya Pravesh.
• Focus on flexible learning: Vocational education starts from Class 6, no rigid separation between curricular, extracurricular, and vocational learning.
• Teaching till Grade 5 in mother tongue/regional language, promoting cultural and linguistic inclusivity.
• Holistic report cards and comprehensive assessment systems (PARAKH), reducing exam-centricity and enabling overall development.

Higher Education Reforms

• NEP aims to achieve a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50% in higher education by 2035, adding 3.5 crore seats.
• Multiple entry/exit options in UG courses, Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) for credit transfers, and interdisciplinary curriculum.
• Emphasis on research and innovation through National Research Foundation and phasing out the college affiliation system in favor of autonomy.
• Four-year integrated B.Ed as mandatory teacher training by 2030.

Technology and Inclusion

• Establishment of the National Educational Technology Forum to advocate EdTech and digital learning in schools and colleges.
• Inclusive education provisions: Gender Inclusion Fund, special zones for disadvantaged regions and groups, and strengthened infrastructure.

Implementation Progress

• Transformative initiatives have rolled out such as NIPUN Bharat, PM e-VIDYA (comprehensive digital education), DIKSHA, Jadui Pitara, and teacher training programs like NISHTHA.
• Tracking milestones include revised curricula, universal access infrastructure, foundational literacy projects, and flexible learning pathways.
• Implementation remains collaborative, with Center and States sharing responsibility.

Advantages

• Holistic learning and reduced curriculum burden.
• Flexibility and choice in subject selection, personalized pacing.
• Focus on quality and inclusivity, bridging gaps between urban/rural and gender divides.

Challenges

• Implementation varies across states, with mixed progress on digital readiness and vocational integration.
• Managing diversity in language, regional needs, and infrastructural disparities remains ongoing.

NEP 2020 is a landmark policy reshaping Indian education to be future-ready, student-centered, inclusive, and globally competitive.

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