Year Ender 2024: From Bagless Days To Cumulative Credits, Major Changes Brought Under NEP 2020 – News18

Last Updated:December 19, 2024, 09:00 IST

Four years after it was put into effect, the NEP has spurred many changes meant to promote diversity, dedication to multilingualism, international cooperation, and creativity in higher education.

As 2024 draws to a close, it is time to take a moment to consider the major changes that have occurred in the Indian educational system this year concerning the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Four years after it was put into effect, the NEP has spurred many changes meant to promote diversity, dedication to multilingualism, international cooperation, and creativity in higher education.

In July 2020, the Union Cabinet approved the New Education Policy (NEP), which intends to universalise education from pre-school to secondary level. Let’s examine the highlights and significant advancements that have changed India’s educational scene this year:

Education Ministry Mandates Minimum Age of 6 For Class 1 Admission

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has issued updated criteria for Class 1 admissions beginning in 2024. According to the instructions, released on February 25, all states and Union Territories (UTs) must guarantee that students seeking admission to Grade 1 are at least six years old. This order is consistent with the provisions established in both the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act of 2009.

According to the National Education Policy (NEP), children aged 3-6 are not covered by the 10+2 system because Class 1 begins at age 6. The new 5+3+3+4 structure also includes a strong foundation of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) beginning at age 3, to improve general learning, development, and well-being.

Odisha Govt to Implement NEP 2020 In Universities/Colleges

The Odisha government plans to adopt the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in all state-run universities and associated colleges beginning with the current academic year, according to a statement. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi decided to implement numerous improvements in the state’s education system, according to the statement.

According to the NEP, four-year undergraduate degrees will replace three-year studies. After completing each year of the four-year curriculum, students can achieve a certificate, diploma, degree, or degree with honours, as per the statement.

UP Leading in NEP Implementation, Target 25% Rise in Enrolment Ratio

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged officials in August to increase the gross enrolment ratio (GER) from 25 per cent to more than 50 per cent in 10 years. He stated that Uttar Pradesh has been the country’s leader in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which has helped the state enhance its GER over the last three years.

Adityanath made the statement during a review meeting on the policy’s implementation in the state at his official house here, according to a release.

Bagless Days for Classes 6-8

In July, the Union Education Ministry issued instructions for implementing bagless days in classes 6-8 and making school learning more enjoyable, immersive, and stress-free. On the fourth anniversary of the new National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, the guidelines—which were created by the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education, a division of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT)—were made public. The NEP 2020 recommends that all students in classes 6–8 participate in a 10-day bagless period.

The ministry stated that all students would participate in a 10-day bagless period anytime between classes 6 and 8, during which they would intern with local vocational experts like as carpenters, gardeners, potters, and so on.

NCERT Proposes Cumulative Credits

A “Cumulative Credit System” has been developed by PARAKH, a division of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), to evaluate students’ achievement in classes 9 to 12, including their board exams, to track their overall progress.

PARAKH, a national assessment centre, has created the Holistic Progress Card (HPC) for the four years of secondary school (classes 9, 10, 11, and 12) and has proposed its implementation, for which it is working with 52 accredited school boards, including CISCE (formerly ICSC) and CBSE. The plan was brought to the Ministry of Education (MoE), which has yet to decide on it, according to reports.