Q 1 - Explain the fundamental principles/pillars of the National Education Policy  (NEP) 2020.

May 24, 2025
3 Min Read
Q 1 - Explain the fundamental principles/pillars of the National Education Policy  (NEP) 2020.

Answer - Introduction 

Education is the foundation of any nation's development, and the formulation of education policies is aligned with its growth trajectory. Both education and policies are two sides of the same coin. Education is the process of imparting knowledge, while policy refers to laws or administrative plans crafted by government bodies.

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

  • The last National Education Policy was formulated in 1986 and revised in 1992.
  • The current policy is based on the report of a committee chaired by space scientist Dr. K. Kasturirangan. 
  • The NEP 2020 aims to achieve a 100% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) by 2030.
  • It targets a public expenditure of 6% of GDP on the education sector through collaboration between the central and state governments.
  • The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has been renamed as the Ministry of Education with the announcement of this policy.  

NEP 2020 in School Education

• The NEP proposes a 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 academic structure, covering children aged 3 to 18 years:

1. Five years of foundational stage – 3 years of pre-primary and Grades 1, 2. 
2. Three years of preparatory stage – Grades 3, 4, 5. 
3. Three years of middle (or upper primary) stage – Grades 6, 7, 8. 
4. Four years of secondary stage – Grades 9, 10, 11, 12.  

NEP 2020 proposes establishing a National Mission on Foundational Literacy 
and Numeracy to ensure basic skills for students up to Grade 3 by 2025.

Fundamental Principles of NEP 2020:

1. Holistic and Multidisciplinary Education : The NEP emphasizes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach focusing on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical  development. 

2. Flexibility in Education : The policy aims to provide students with flexibility and choice in subjects and learning methods suited to their preferences.

3. Promotion of Multilingualism and Indian Languages : NEP recognizes the importance of multilingualism and promotes the use of Indian languages in education. It also emphasizes learning at least one Indian language.

4. Technology-Driven Learning : The policy supports the integration of technology, including online education and digital resources, to reach remote and rural students. 

5. Quality Education : NEP aims to ensure quality education for all, focusing on teacher training, curriculum reforms, and technological advancements to prepare students for the future.

6. Skill Development : The policy promotes the development of essential 21st century skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

7. Inclusion and Equity : NEP emphasizes inclusivity and equity, ensuring access to quality education regardless of students’ social or economic backgrounds. 

8. Research and Innovation : The policy encourages research and innovation in education, motivating institutions to develop new teaching methods, techniques, and curricula.

9. Collaboration and Partnerships : The NEP stresses the need for collaboration among institutions, teachers, parents, and students for effective implementation. 

10. Empowered Educational Institutions : The policy seeks to empower institutions by granting them greater autonomy and flexibility to innovate and adapt to changing needs.

Conclusion

NEP 2020 extends the Right to Education Act, 2009, to include children aged 3 to 18 years. Coming 34 years after the last major policy, NEP aims to provide equitable and universal access to education, with a goal of universal pre-primary education (ages 3-6) by 2025.

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