A Policy Rooted in Change and Innovation
July 29, 2025, marks five years since the launch of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a landmark reform that reimagined education after more than three decades. Approved by the Union Cabinet in 2020, NEP’s mission was not only to revamp curriculum design but also to build an education system rooted in flexibility, creativity, and inclusivity. With a strong focus on foundational learning, technology integration, and teacher training, NEP 2020 has touched millions of students, educators, and institutions—redefining what learning looks like across India.
A New Structural Framework: The 5+3+3+4 Model
One of NEP’s most visible shifts has been the replacement of the traditional 10+2 structure with the 5+3+3+4 system, which reorganizes schooling to align with the cognitive development stages of children:
· Foundational Stage (ages 3–8): Play-based learning under NCF-FS
· Preparatory Stage (ages 8–11)
· Middle Stage (ages 11–14)
· Secondary Stage (ages 14–18), guided by NCF-SE 2023
This structure emphasizes experiential, multilingual, and multidisciplinary learning, creating space for curiosity and cultural relevance in the classroom.
Strengthening Literacy and Numeracy: Mission NIPUN Bharat
To address foundational gaps, the NIPUN Bharat Mission was launched in 2021 with the aim of ensuring all children attain basic literacy and numeracy by Grade 3. So far:
· 4.2 crore children have completed the 12-week Vidya Pravesh foundational course
· 1.1crore students have enrolled in Balvatika (pre-primary level)
· 496 model centers have been established nationwide
According to the ASER 2024 report, 23.4% of children can now read Grade 2-level text—India’s highest rate since 2005.
Empowering Teachers through Technology and Training
The success of NEP hinges significantly on educators. Through the NISHTHA training program, more than 14 lakh teachers have been upskilled in FLN and early childhood education. Additionally:
· Over 2,778 digital resources have been uploaded on the DIKSHA platform
· Teacher assessments are no longer solely exam-based; creativity and student engagement are part of 360-degree evaluations
The PARAKH national survey (2024) showed that rural government school students in Grade 3 outperformed those in private and urban institutions—a promising sign of policy impact.
Equity and Inclusion: Reaching the Margins
NEP’s inclusive focus is evident in infrastructure and accessibility:
· Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) reached 97.8% at the primary and 96.57% at upper primary levels
· Basic amenities: Drinking water in 98.4%, girls’ toilets in 97.1%, and electricity in 85.1% of schools
· Over 1.15 lakh students are now enrolled in Netaji Subhash Residential Schools, and 7.58 lakh girls in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas
The PRASHAST App has enabled better identification of 21 types of disabilities, helping teachers adapt to diverse learner needs. Indian Sign Language (ISL) has been introduced as a formal subject, with 1,000+ ISL videos created across 46 subjects, earning India the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize in 2021.
Technology-Driven Learning: DIKSHA and PM e-Vidya
With NEP’s digital push, PM e-Vidya and the DIKSHA platform have brought learning to remote regions:
· Content is now available in 133 Indian languages
· 200 DTH channels support distance learning
· The National Vidya Review Center (RVSK) monitors educational data in real time
Digital initiatives have also enhanced multilingual education. Textbooks like Mridang (English), Sarangi (Hindi), and Joyful Mathematics reflect Indian culture while supporting learning in multiple languages.
Vocational Education and Skill Building
Vocational exposure has been introduced from Grade 3, with formal subjects starting in Grade 6, nurturing practical skills from a young age. This shift aims to bridge academic learning with future job readiness.
Measuring the Impact: Signs of Success
The 2024 national assessment by PARAKH involved 21.15 lakh students and 2.7 lakh teachers across India. Notably, government schools in rural areas showed stronger outcomes compared to urban private schools. These indicators suggest that NEP’s implementation is bearing fruit—especially in foundational learning and equitable access.
A Pathway Toward Inclusive, Future-Ready Education
In just five years, NEP 2020 has initiated a deep transformation in Indian education—one that values child-centered learning, teacher empowerment, digital equity, and cultural inclusivity. While challenges remain, the early successes in literacy, enrollment, digital outreach, and inclusion speak volumes about its effectiveness. As India continues to refine and expand these reforms, NEP is proving to be more than a policy—it is a long-term vision for a smarter, fairer, and more resilient education system for every Indian child.
(With agency inputs)
