The Centre has made plans to commence the next academic year virtually. Since early March, even before the nationwide lockdown was initiated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous schools across the country have been closed.
Key Points: The New Academic Calendar and Examinations
The new academic calendar is set to kick off as usual in April for classes 9 to 12. Nevertheless, the previous academic year may have been somewhat shortened due to some examinations being delayed, including the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams for classes 10 and 12. Recently, it was decided that the CBSE would only carry out exams for major subjects that are crucial for promotion or admission into higher educational institutions.
Distance Learning: The Centre’s Plan
The Centre aims to recommence classes via distance learning, utilizing dedicated TV and radio channels in English and Hindi. Swayam Prabha, an existing program, comprises 32 Direct-to-Home (DTH) channels dedicated to broadcasting high-quality educational programs round-the-clock using the GSAT-15 satellite.
Role of National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
NIOS has been tasked to develop a structured program for class-wise schools. This is being done in collaboration with NCERT and will use their syllabus. The material generated will be fit for usage by schools that follow the NIOS or CBSE syllabi.
Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA): Aid for State Boards
The DIKSHA mobile app has been made available to States as a platform for delivering content in local languages. If States agree to produce content in local languages, the Centre can allocate them 2-3 hours on the channel.
DIKSHA Portal: A Digital Platform for Teachers
Launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) in 2017, the DIKSHA portal provides a digital platform for teachers to learn, train themselves, and connect with the teaching community. The platform has been designed to accommodate a teacher’s entire career journey, starting from their enrolment in Teacher Education Institutes (TEIs) to their retirement. States, governmental entities, and private organizations can incorporate DIKSHA into their respective teacher initiatives tailored to their objectives, requirements, and capabilities. Furthermore, the portal provides access to NCERT textbooks and lessons, adhering to the standard school curriculum.
NIOS: Revisiting its Role and History
Established in November 1989 in response to the National Policy on Education 1986 by MHRD, NIOS, previously known as the National Open School (NOS), is an autonomous organization. Apart from offering General and Academic Courses at Secondary and Senior Secondary level, NIOS also provides Vocational, Life Enrichment, and community-based courses. Elementary level Courses are also offered through its Open Basic Education Programmes (OBE). The Government of India has granted NIOS the authority to examine and certify learners registered with it for pre-degree level courses, which can be Academic, Technical or Vocational.
