The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 of India introduces transformative reforms to the country’s education system to make it holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, and aligned with the needs of the 21st century. Here are the main features of the NEP 2020:

1. School Education

a. Foundational Learning and Numeracy:

• Emphasis on early childhood care and education (ECCE).
• Universal foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3.

b. New Pedagogical and Curricular Structure:

• Replaces the 10+2 structure with a 5+3+3+4 model:
  • 5 years: Foundational stage (ages 3-8, including preschool and Grades 1-2).
  • 3 years: Preparatory stage (Grades 3-5).
  • 3 years: Middle stage (Grades 6-8).
  • 4 years: Secondary stage (Grades 9-12).

c. Multilingualism:

• Mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction, at least till Grade 5 (preferably till Grade 8).
• Emphasis on teaching 3 languages in schools, ensuring regional diversity.

d. Vocational Training:

• Vocational exposure from Grade 6 with internships.

e. Holistic Assessment:

• Focus on competency-based assessments rather than rote learning.
• Introduction of exams for Grades 3, 5, and 8, along with continued board exams in Grades 10 and 12.

2. Higher Education

a. Multidisciplinary Approach:

• Flexibility to choose subjects across disciplines.
• Establishment of Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs).

b. Holistic Education:

• Undergraduate programs to last 3 or 4 years with multiple entry and exit options (certificate, diploma, or degree).
• Promotion of liberal arts education combining arts, sciences, and vocational subjects.

c. Single Higher Education Regulator:

• Establishment of a single regulator, Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), excluding medical and legal education.

d. Digital and Online Learning:

• Enhanced digital infrastructure to promote online education and equity.

e. Increase in GER:

• Aims to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2035.

3. Teacher Training and Development

• Minimum 4-year integrated B.Ed. program for teacher education.
• Continuous professional development for teachers through online and offline modes.
• Improved teacher-student ratios and recruitment processes.

4. Equity and Inclusion

• Focus on disadvantaged groups including SC/ST, OBC, minorities, and urban poor.
• Scholarships, gender-inclusion funds, and special education zones to reduce dropout rates.

5. Use of Technology

• Integration of technology in all levels of education.
• Creation of a National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) to foster digital learning innovations.

6. National Assessment Centre – PARAKH

• PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) to set standards for school education assessments and exams.

7. Research and Development

• Establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF) to promote research across disciplines.

8. Cultural and Ethical Values

• Focus on Indian knowledge systems, traditions, and values.
• Courses on ethics, constitutional values, and life skills.

9. Increased Public Investment

• Target to raise public spending on education to 6% of GDP.

10. Lifelong Learning and Adult Education

• National framework to support adult education and lifelong learning opportunities.