In recent developments, the final National Curriculum Framework (NCF) has been unveiled by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). This is a significant step towards educational reforms, guided by the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The new NCF introduces modifications in language learning, subject structure, evaluation methods, and environmental education, thus reshaping the educational landscape for Grades 3 to 12 under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Key Highlights of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF)
The revised NCF brings several significant changes. Starting with language learning, students in Classes 9 and 10 will now study three languages, including at least two native Indian languages. In Classes 11 and 12, they will study two languages, one of which must be of Indian origin. The objective is to achieve a literary level of competency in at least one Indian language.
Next on the list are board exams and evaluations. Students are allowed to take Board exams twice in an academic year, and their best score among the attempts will be taken into account.
The NCF aligns with NEP 2020 and provides the framework for crafting new textbooks for Grades 3 to 12 under CBSE. These textbooks are designed to meet the requirements of the 21st century, ensuring rootedness in the current context while also being future-oriented.
Changes in Mandatory and Optional Subjects
The modifications also extend to the structure of subjects students have to study. Previously, five mandatory subjects were required for Classes 9 to 12, with an option to add one. The changed framework, however, stipulates seven mandatory subjects for Classes 9 and 10, and six for Classes 11 and 12.
The optional subjects have been categorized into three groups. The first group includes art, physical, and vocational education. The second group consists of Social Science, Humanities, and interdisciplinary areas. Finally, the third group includes Science, Mathematics, and computational thinking.
Flexibility and Choice for Students
The Secondary Stage has been redesigned to provide more flexibility and choice. There is no rigid separation between academic and vocational subjects, or between Science, Social Science, Art, and Physical Education. Students can choose varied subject combinations for their School Leaving Certificates. Furthermore, there is a greater emphasis on environmental awareness and sustainability.
National Curriculum Framework: Overview
The NCF is one of the key components of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It aims to transform the school education system of India as envisioned in NEP 2020. The framework is divided into four sections including the NCF for School Education, NCF for Early Childhood Care and Education, NCF for Teacher Education, and NCF for Adult Education.
National Education Policy 2020: An Overview
The National Education Policy 2020 is a comprehensive framework for educational reform in India that seeks to bring significant changes to the Indian education system. Its primary features include universalization of education, a new pedagogical and curricular structure based on cognitive and socio-emotional development of students, a focus on foundational literacy and numeracy skills, and an increased emphasis on research and development.
Government Initiatives Related to Educational Reforms
Apart from the newly released NCF and NEP 2020, there are several other government initiatives in place to enhance the quality of education, including the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, PRAGYATA, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and PM SHRI Schools.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question
A sample question from the UPSC Civil Services Examination is included to give readers an idea of how knowledge on the topic could be tested. The question asks examinees to consider three statements related to the Right to Education (RTE) Act and teacher eligibility in India, and identify which of these are correct. Another question invites critical examination of whether the National Education Policy 2020 aligns with Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030) in restructuring and reorienting the education system in India.