National Education Policy: What Is The 5+3+3+4 Structure; Know The Framework – News18

The Central Government’s National Education Policy (NEP) was established in 2020. However, it came into effect during the 2023-2024 academic Year. In addition to routine learning, the government, through this policy, emphasised imparting practical knowledge to educate children. A 5+3+3+4 structure was also introduced, meaning that three years of kindergarten will be a part of the schooling system’s definition of formal education.

The National Curriculum Framework’s (NCF) pre-draft explained the 5+3+3+4 structure in detail and also informed how the single equation simplifies the entire education system. So, what is the 5+3+3+4 structure, and how will it shape the education system? Let’s understand:

Five of 5+3+3+4 in this case represent formative years and have been split into two parts. It includes 3 years of preschool along with 2 years of primary school, or the first Anganwadi. Now, coming to the first 3 of the framework, it includes grades 1 and 2 together. The next 3 indicates the preparation class from grade 3 to 5. Later, the students will pursue middle school which essentially means class 6 to 8. Once done with middle schooling, the students can proceed for four years of secondary education (Classes 9 to 12).

Notably, as per the new policy, the students will be allowed to choose their preferred subject in the last four years of school. There will be 8 groups for the students of classes 9 to 12 -Humanities, Mathematics-Computing, Vocational Education, Physical Education, Arts Education, Social Science, and Inter-Disciplinary Subjects. These four years of secondary education will be split into two phases. While science, social science, and the humanities will be taught in the first phase, the second phase will see students learning History, physics, and language.

Moreover, the semester system will be introduced for students of 11th and 12th standard. The students will need to finish one subject per semester. It will be needed for the students to clear 16 papers to complete their 12th-grade education.