National Education Policy (NEP) 2020  

The NEP marks a significant shift in Indian education, being only the third major policy change in the country’s history. Approved in July 2020, it aims to overhaul the education system by introducing a more flexible, multidisciplinary approach. Key reforms include the transition from the traditional “10+2” model to a “5+3+3+4” structure that incorporates foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary stages, encouraging experiential and play-based learning at early levels: 

New Primary & Secondary Academic Structure: 5+3+3+4 System 

• • • • • Foundational (5 years): Ages 3–8, play-based learning 

• • • • • Preparatory (3 years): Ages 8–11, interactive learning 

• • • • • Middle (3 years): Ages 11–14, experiential learning 

• • • • • Secondary (4 years): Ages 14–18, multidisciplinary studies, critical thinking 

The NEP also mandates the use of mother tongues as the medium of instruction in preschool and elementary education, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity and accessibility. 

Tertiary Education Structure: Bachelor’s Progression 

 Stages: 1+1+1+1 (flexible progression with multiple exit and re-entry points) 

• • • • • • 1 year – Certificate 

• • • • • • 2 years – Diploma 

• • • • • • 3 years – Bachelor’s Degree 

• • • • • • 4 years – Bachelor’s with Research 

Teacher Education Reform 

Program Options: 

• • • • • • 4-Year Integrated B.Ed.: Minimum qualification by 2030 

• • • • • • 2-Year B.Ed.: For applicants with other Bachelor’s degrees 

• • • • • • 1-Year B.Ed.: For those with 4-year multidisciplinary Bachelor’s or Master’s degree 

Objective: The 4-year integrated Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree will become the minimum qualification for teaching by 2030. Moreover, the NEP emphasizes vocational skills from Grade 6 onwards, preparing students for the labor market early on. Teacher education will gradually transition to multidisciplinary colleges by 2030, promoting blended and online learning methods to reach students in remote areas.