The draft of the new National Education Policy, chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan, strongly emphasizes five foundational pillars – Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability & Accountability. The policy outlines significant, progressive changes to Indian education, right from foundational stages to higher studies.
Sanskrit at all levels of Education
One key recommendation in the policy is the teaching of Sanskrit as an optional language at all levels of school and higher education. These classes would operate on par with all other Schedule 8 languages. Furthermore, the committee advocates for Sanskrit textbooks at the foundational and middle school levels to be rewritten in Simple Standard Sanskrit (SSS). This novel approach aims to teach Sanskrit through Sanskrit (STS).
Extension of the Right To Education (RTE) Act
The progressive new reforms extend the RTE Act’s coverage. Presently applicable from classes I to VIII, the updated RTE Act would cover the entire school system – from pre-school to class XII. It would effectively encompass children aged 3 to 18 (pre-school to senior secondary level).
Restructuring of School Curriculum and 5+3+3+4 Design
The National Education Policy introduces an innovative 5+3+3+4 design system for a more effective and efficient learning trajectory. This system divides the school curriculum into four distinct stages:
1. Foundational Stage: The first five years, catering to children aged 3 to 8 (including pre-primary, grade 1 and 2).
2. Preparatory Stage: The next three years for children aged 8 to 11 (includes grades 3 to 5).
3. Middle Stage: Encompasses grades 6 to 8, catering to students aged 11-14.
4. Secondary Stage: Includes Grades 9-12, for students aged 14-18.
In addition, the policy proposes reorganizing schools into school complexes.
System for Flexible and Multiple Board Examinations
The committee recommends introducing a semester system for classes 10 to 12, providing flexible and modular board examinations. Under this system, students can take board exams in specific subjects whenever they feel prepared. They also have the opportunity to retake examinations to improve their scores.
| School Stage | Age Group | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | 3-8 | Pre-primary, 1, 2 |
| Preparatory | 8-11 | 3-5 |
| Middle | 11-14 | 6-8 |
| Secondary | 14-18 | 9-12 |
Restructuring of the Higher Education Institutions
Three categories would be established for higher education institutions under the new policy: the first focused on research, the second delivering high-quality teaching across disciplines while making significant contributions to research, and the third targeting quality teaching, primarily at the undergraduate level. The implementation of four-year undergraduate programs and an overhaul of the current 3-year undergraduate programs is proposed, with “multiple exit and entry options” being available to students.
Establishment of Rashtriya Shiksha Aayog (National Education Commission) and other Regulatory Bodies
Aiming for effective governance, the policy recommends establishing a constitutional body, Rashtriya Shiksha Aayog or National Education Commission, via an Act of Parliament, to be chaired by the Prime Minister. In addition, State Education Commissions may be established in each state. To streamline regulation, a single higher education regulator, the National Higher Education Regulatory Authority (NHERA), is proposed, effectively subsuming current bodies like UGC, AICTE and others. A national program for professional development of faculty members in higher education institutions is also put forward.