New Education Policy 2020

A welcome change – the new Indian education policy is a lot like the US education system. It aims to be liberal and very importantly encompasses humanities and arts with sciences and math. Here are the highlights:

1. The current 10+2 model would now be 5+3+3+4 – what this means is that under the new policy, the first 3 years of a student’s life would be play school followed by Grades 1 and 2. Then would come a Preparatory Stage of Grade 3 to 5, Middle School of Grades 6 to 8 and Secondary School of Grades 9 to 12.

2. There would be emphasis on Early Childhood Care (ECC) from ages 3 to 6 and provisions would be made to ensure universal access to this ECC.

3. Bachelors degrees will no longer be chosen from Science, Commerce and Arts. Instead, students will be allowed to choose subjects of their choice from all disciplines.

4. Students will start to learn coding from grade six.

5. Vocational education options will be introduced from school itself.

6. Students can choose a 3 or 4 year undergraduate degree and can exit degrees at multiple points, leading to certificates, if they do desire.

7. Students doing a 4-year degree can add research as part of their degree.

8. Curriculum will incorporate 21^st Century Skills, Mathematical Thinking and Scientific Temper.

9. Home language, Regional language, or mother tongue will be medium of instruction till 5^th grade.

10. Less emphasis on exams and report cards will include skills and capabilities, not just marks and grades.

This is a great step in a positive direction. The critical element here is implementation. Schools and Colleges have to work hard to implement this policy change. If done correctly, the Indian education system will be poised to be the best in the world.