The Cabinet has approved the New Education Policy (NEP), bringing changes to India’s education system after 34 years.
The policy introduces a new 5+3+3+4 framework for schooling, replacing the traditional 10+2 system.
The structure is divided into foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary stages, redefining the way education is imparted to students.
5 Years Fundamental:
1. Nursery at 4 years
2. Jr KG at 5 years
3. Sr KG at 6 years
4. Std 1st at 7 years
5. Std 2nd at 8 years
3 Years Preparatory:
6. Std 3rd at 9 years
7. Std 4th at 10 years
8. Std 5th at 11 years
3 Years Middle:
9. Std 6th at 12 years
10. Std 7th at 13 years
11. Std 8th at 14 years
4 Years Secondary:
12. Std 9th at 15 years
13. Std SSC at 16 years
14. Std FYJC at 17 years
15. Std SYJC at 18 years
The NEP places significant emphasis on teaching in the mother tongue, local language, or national language up to the 5th grade.
English will be introduced only as a subject, ensuring students develop a strong foundation in their native languages.
Semester examinations will replace annual exams from the 9th to the 12th grade. The traditional 10th board exams have been discontinued, and now only the 12th board exams will be conducted.
In higher education, college degrees will be redesigned to span either 3 or 4 years.
Students opting for a 3-year degree will receive a certificate after the first year, a diploma after the second year, and a full degree upon completing the third year.
Those pursuing a 4-year degree will have the opportunity to directly enroll in a 1-year MA program and proceed to PhD studies without the need for an MPhil, which has been discontinued.
This system allows students to take breaks and pursue alternate courses while continuing their main academic program.
Digital education will be promoted extensively, with e-courses being introduced in regional languages and virtual labs being developed. A National Educational Scientific Forum (NETF) will oversee these initiatives to ensure seamless integration of technology in education.
The NEP also aims to achieve a 50 percent gross enrollment ratio in higher education by 2035, significantly expanding access to quality education.
The policy envisions uniform rules for all 45,000 colleges across the country, including government, private, and deemed institutions. Reforms in higher education will bring graded academic, administrative, and financial autonomy to institutions, enabling them to better cater to the needs of students.
The Honorable Education Minister remarked that this policy will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a dynamic world.