The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is working to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its subsequent refinements, including those anticipated in 2025. The NEP aims to transform India's education system to be more holistic, flexible, and aligned with 21st-century skills.
NCERT plays a crucial role in the implementation of the NEP, particularly in curriculum development and teacher training. Here's a breakdown of its involvement:
- Curriculum and Pedagogy: The NEP replaces the old 10+2 system with a new 5+3+3+4 curricular structure. NCERT is responsible for developing the National Curriculum Frameworks (NCFs) that will guide this change. These new frameworks focus on competency-based education, reducing rote learning, and promoting critical thinking, creativity, and experiential learning.
- Textbook Revision: As part of the NEP, NCERT is revising textbooks for various grades to reduce content and align with the new pedagogical approach. This includes creating new books that emphasize self-learning and problem-solving.
- Digital Integration: The policy emphasizes digital learning and technology integration. NCERT is involved in initiatives like the National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) and platforms like DIKSHA to provide digital learning resources to both students and teachers. The goal is to make education accessible and prepare students for a technology-driven world.
- Teacher Training: NCERT is mandated to develop and distribute teacher training initiatives to equip educators with the skills needed to implement the NEP effectively. This includes training on digital tools and new teaching methods.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The NEP removes rigid separations between arts and sciences, and between academic and vocational streams. NCERT's curriculum development reflects this shift by integrating vocational education and allowing students greater flexibility in subject choices. Vocational courses, for instance, are being introduced from Class 6 onwards, including mandatory internships in higher grades.
While detailed guidelines and changes for the 2025 edition haven't been fully released yet, some potential updates and areas of focus include:
- Curriculum Overhaul: Based on NEP 2020, the curriculum is likely to be further updated to emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Increased Focus on Multilingual Education: The NEP 2020 promotes teaching in the mother tongue, which will likely continue to be a priority in 2025.
- Technology Integration: NCERT is working towards enhancing digital learning platforms and resources, possibly offering more content through e-learning.
- Holistic Assessment: NCERT may shift the focus more towards continuous and comprehensive evaluation, moving away from the traditional rote learning model.
- Teacher Training: There will be an emphasis on enhancing teacher competencies and incorporating professional development in line with the updated policies.
- Inclusive Education: Ensuring accessibility for marginalized and differently-abled students will remain a core part of the policy.
Stay updated by following official NCERT notifications or checking government portals for the official NEP 2025 guidelines.
