The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India proposes a comprehensive framework for the transformation of the education system. The policy document outlines the following broad structure:
School Education: The NEP 2020 proposes major reforms in school education, with a focus on early childhood care and education, foundational literacy and numeracy, curricular and pedagogical reform, vocational education, and teacher education. The policy proposes the adoption of a 5+3+3+4 structure for school education, with the first five years dedicated to early childhood care and education, followed by three years of pre-primary education and three years of preparatory education. The next four years will be dedicated to secondary education, which will be divided into two phases of two years each.
Higher Education: The NEP 2020 proposes major reforms in higher education, with a focus on multidisciplinary education, flexibility, autonomy, and quality. The policy proposes the creation of a new regulatory framework for higher education, with the establishment of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) as a single overarching body for higher education. The policy also proposes the adoption of a credit-based system, the introduction of multidisciplinary education, and the integration of vocational education into higher education.
Teacher Education: The NEP 2020 proposes major reforms in teacher education, with a focus on quality, relevance, and innovation. The policy proposes the creation of a new regulatory framework for teacher education, with the establishment of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) as a professional standard-setting body for teacher education. The policy also proposes the adoption of a four-year integrated B.Ed. programme, the establishment of teacher education universities, and the promotion of continuous professional development for teachers.
Vocational Education: The NEP 2020 proposes major reforms in vocational education, with a focus on integrating vocational education into mainstream education, promoting entrepreneurship, and providing opportunities for lifelong learning. The policy proposes the establishment of a National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) for all vocational courses, the integration of vocational education into mainstream education, and the creation of a National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) to provide opportunities for apprenticeship and on-the-job training.