The National Education Policy was created in 1986 and revised in 1992, and since after that, there have been no changes, in 30 years the world has changed very much to meet the requirements of the modern world it has become important to implement a new education policy.The New Education Policy 2024, recently given the green light by the Union Cabinet, is the new horizon in the vast landscape of education in the country. As a follow-up to NEP 2020, the policy emphasizes several groundbreaking reforms that would make Indian education more wholesome, flexible, and attuned to the demands of the 21st century. A new curriculum structure has been introduced that is 5+3+3+4. This structure is introduced to change the traditional method to an advanced structure. The first segment is the foundational stage which is 5 years, with emphasis on foundational learning, literacy, and numeracy. The second segment is the preparatory stage which is 3 years, it encompasses 3 to 5 years the main approach of this stage is to enhance the comprehensive learning experience at the early stages. The third stage is called the middle segment, which is 3 years. It encompasses 6 to 8 years. This stage focuses on deeper learning and encourages students to think critically. Project-based learning will provide hands-on experience. The fourth stage is the final stage, which comprises 9 to 12 years. This step prepares students for their future careers and in this stage, any student can choose their subject according to their interest. This segment will focus on real-world skills and competencies.
High-pressure board examination is mitigated in the NEP 2024 by way of allowing board exams to be taken twice a year. It is oft-said that these assessments have been instrumental in bringing down the pressure of exams. Students will, hence, have more than one opportunity to put up the best performance shown during any examination. The students will also be allowed to retain their best scores, so that one bad day does not affect their future prospects. It also envisages a time when examinations will be taken “on demand”, thereby according less importance to rote learning, assessing the student on comprehension and competence. Moreover, traditional academic subjects were prioritized over vocational skills development. The new education policy aims to address these shortcomings comprehensively. It seeks to reform the system by promoting a deeper understanding of subjects and reducing the emphasis on memorization. The formulation of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2024 stemmed from deliberations by a panel of experts chaired by former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan. This panel extensively reviewed the challenges and necessary adjustments across all levels of the Indian education system, from primary school to higher education and beyond. The recommendations put forth by this panel were a culmination of diverse perspectives and insights gathered through rigorous discussions and consultations. Subsequently, these proposals underwent thorough scrutiny and evaluation by the Ministry of Education, leading to their eventual approval.The primary goal of the New Education Policy (NEP) is to address long standing deficiencies and adapt the educational framework to meet contemporary needs and future demands effectively. By fostering a more holistic and inclusive approach, the policy aims to pave the way for a transformative journey in Indian education, ensuring equitable access and quality education for all learners.Intending to recognize the importance of the role of a teacher in a school system, NEP 2024 has given considerable emphasis on Continuous Professional Development. Teachers will have to undergo certified courses and professional training programs that will arm them with superior teaching skills and update them on new concepts in education that are constantly being evolved. This policy also takes upon itself the task of rationalizing the cost of textbooks so that quality education shall still be within easy reach of all students.According to NEP 2024, two languages with at least one being an Indian language shall be compulsorily taught in Classes XI and XII. This aims to enhance linguistic diversity, and shall act as a means toward preserving the rich cultural heritage of India. It is also keyed to the broader vision of education being made more inclusive and reflective of India’s multilingual reality.One such bold and visionary step in changing India’s education system is the New Education Policy 2024. That will be more holistic, flexible, and student-centered so that it prepares them to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st century. This policy emphasizes critical thinking, imagination, and problem-solving skills instead of rote learning, sugary high stress examinations. It is in this context that NEP 2024 stands at a time when the country embarks on the road to implementing these needed reforms to make this system of education more inclusive, more equitable, and more dynamic, with India moving on to establish its rightful position as a global knowledge powerhouse.
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