NEP 2020 in the Classroom: From Policy to Practice

General Studies Paper -2

Context

• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been hailed as a transformative framework for India’s education system. However, translating policy into practice presents unique challenges and opportunities.

Key Features of NEP 2020 in the Classroom

• Foundational Learning and Early Childhood Education: NEP 2020 places significant emphasis on foundational literacy and numeracy through the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat).
• Multidisciplinary and Holistic Learning: The rigid separation between academic streams (Science, Commerce, and Arts) has been removed.
  • Students can now choose multidisciplinary subjects, such as mathematics with music or history with physics.
  • Schools and colleges are adopting a Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) to allow more flexibility in subject selection.
• Shift to Competency-Based Learning: Traditional rote learning is being replaced bycompetency-based education (CBE), where the focus is on conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, developed under NEP 2020, is guiding these changes, ensuring that classroom learning is more application-oriented rather than memorization-based.
• Integration of Technology in Learning: Digital platforms such as DIKSHA, SWAYAM, and PM e-Vidya are being widely used for online resources, teacher training, and interactive learning experiences.
  • Schools are incorporating virtual labs, AI-powered assessment tools, and hybrid learning models, enhancing engagement and accessibility.
• Mother Tongue as the Medium of Instruction up to Class 5: It is aimed at improving comprehension and cognitive development.
  • Reformed Assessment System: Schools are adopting continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) and AI-based adaptive testing to assess students’ progress in real time.
  • The introduction of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) is ensuring a more competency-based assessment structure.
  • Vocational Education from an Early Stage: NEP 2020 mandates the integration of vocational education from Grade 6 onwards, enabling students to learn skills like coding, carpentry, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. Internships and apprenticeships are being incorporated into school curricula, helping students develop practical skills for the job market.
• Teacher Training and Professional Development: Initiatives such as the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) and Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) are being introduced to enhance teaching quality.
  • Online training modules on DIKSHA and regular upskilling programs are helping teachers adopt experiential and activity-based learning approaches in classrooms.

Challenges in Implementation

• Infrastructure Gaps: Many rural schools lack digital infrastructure for technology-driven education.
  • Other challenges such as availability of textbooks and trained teachers in regional languages are still being addressed.
• Teacher Readiness: Not all teachers are equipped to handle competency-based education and multidisciplinary learning.
• Regional Language Implementation: Availability of textbooks and trained teachers in multiple languages remains a concern.
• Assessment Transition: Moving from marks-based exams to competency-based assessments requires systemic change.

Road Ahead

• NEP 2020 is gradually transforming classrooms across India. Schools and colleges are focusing on student-centric learning, flexibility in education, and skill development.
• With continued policy support, digital interventions, and teacher empowerment, the vision of NEP 2020 is becoming a reality.
• As education shifts from rote learning to experiential understanding, the future of Indian education looks promising, fostering critical thinkers, problem solvers, and global citizens.