New Education Policy (NEP) 2021

After almost 30 years, the education policy in India has been brought to a change. The Union Cabinet approved these changes hoping that this will transform and elevate the level of education system in the country. Several new things have been introduced in this New Education Policy (NEP) 2021 that will not only uplift the quality of education but is also expected to put less stress on the minds of students. In this article the students can find important details regarding this NEP 2021.

Important Things included in NEP 2021

The following major changes have been introduced in the New Education Policy 2021:

• Variable models to be introduced for board exams- annual, semester and modular
• A common entrance exam for undergraduate program to be conducted by the NTA
• Board exams to be conducted twice a year
• Medium of instruction in schools to be the local/ regional language
• Curriculum content, especially for board exams, to be reduced
• New provisions for the children with disabilities
• Multiple exit options for undergraduate degree courses
• Curricular structure to be renewed
• Coding to be taught to the students from class 6 onwards
• Focus on vocational studies in school-level to increase
• High-quality modules to be developed by NIOS for Indian Sign Language (ISL)
• Pre- school section to be introduced in the Kendriya Vidyalayas
• NCC wings to open in secondary and higher secondary schools under Ministry of Defence
• Free boarding facilities to be provided in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs)
• National Scholarship Portal for SC, ST, OBC, SEDGs students to be expanded
• GDP of education sector to be increased from 1.7% to 6%
• Regular health check-ups to be introduced for school students
• Higher importance to be given to digital learning

What changes will be there in the Education Pattern?

The 10+2 exam pattern that was being followed for past many decades will now change under NEP 2021. Let us have a look how this pattern will change.

• Earlier the education pattern was in the 10+2 system which has now been changed to 5+3+3+4 pattern.
• The first five years will comprise of foundation level learning and will comprise of primary school (3 years), class 1 (1 year) and class 2 (1 year).
• Next 3 years will comprise of preparatory stage from classes 3 to 5 and the next 3 years will be middle school from classes 6 to 8.
• The rest 4 years of final level learning will be the secondary stage of education and will comprise of class 9 to 12.

Impact on Board Examinations

The New Education Policy 2021 will have no impact on the conduct of the board exams. Board exams will be held as usual for classes 10 and 12. However, one new rule has been introduced regarding the board exams that will allow a second chance to improve their score by re-appearing in these exams.

The pattern of board exams might change in a way that put less stress on the minds of the students appearing. It means there is a provision in the NEP 2021 to make board exams easier than ever before. The exam will be conducted in two parts- objective and descriptive. Syllabus of the board exam will also be reduced in order to reduce stress and dependency on coaching centers for exam preparation.

Students will be given a report card containing not only marks obtained by them but will also mention their skills.

Entrance Exams and Exit Points

1. Entrance exam- The NEP 2021 advises to have a single entrance exam for admission to universities and institutes all across the country. NTA will hold the responsibility to conduct an aptitude test and subject-specific test (different for science, arts, commerce, etc fields) twice a year for enrolment into undergraduate degree programs. However, this provision will not be mandatorily imposed on all universities and they will be given a choice to adopt this system for enrolment as it will be more convenient.
2. Exit from bachelors, masters and doctoral programs- Earlier, it was compulsory for the students to finish their bachelors, masters and doctoral programs in order to earn a degree. This obligation will be removed and the students will be free to exit from these courses after completion of one year, two years, three years and so on. Vocational degree will be given to the students after completing one year of course, diploma after completing two years or bachelor’s degree after completing three years. Drop out candidates will also given a chance to complete their degree course after a period of break.

India to Emerge as Global Study Destination

Prestigious institutions of India with high education quality and remarkable placement rates will be encouraged to set up their branches in other countries as well. In the similar manner, top institutions in the world will be allowed to set up branches in India. This is to be done to make the level of higher studies in India at par with the international study level.

Introduction of Academic Bank of Credit (ABC)

A credit bank where the academic credits earned by the students will be stored digitally will be established. Credits earned by the students from various recognized HEIs will be stored so that the degrees can be awarded to the students by taking into account these credits.