युवा आवेग

Restructuring the educational system from the 10+2 model to the 5+3+3+4 model, which matched learning phases with child growth, was one of its historic transformations. Through Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) programs and Anganwadi integration, early childhood care—which had hitherto been neglected—was brought into formal schooling. This was crucial in a nation where almost 50% of third-graders were illiterate.

NEP established flexible curricula, multidisciplinary universities, and various entry-exit choices at the higher education level, enabling students to take breaks and return to their studies without losing ground. The Academic Bank of Credits now makes it possible to save earned credits digitally, promoting inter-institution mobility. India's skill environment is also changing as a result of the focus on industry partnerships and vocational training.

Although uneven, implementation during the past five years has shown promise. With the introduction of regional language education and updated examinations, states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka have achieved significant strides. The NIPUN Bharat Mission is gathering momentum with the goal of achieving basic literacy by 2026–2027. Meanwhile, textbooks are being redesigned to be more activity-based and regionally relevant in accordance with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023.

Technology has presented both opportunities and difficulties. Access to digital learning has increased, particularly since COVID, because to programs like DIKSHA, SWAYAM, and PM eVIDYA. However, there are still gaps in technology, connectivity, and teacher preparedness, particularly in remote areas. Effectively closing this gap is essential to the realisation of NEP's digital strategy.

Additionally, NEP promoted mother-tongue instruction in early education in an effort to lessen the linguistic divide. Despite being linguistically liberating, this action brought up real-world issues including teacher training capacity and regional language material shortages. States' implementations have differed greatly.

Converting the assessment method from rote memorisation to competency-based evaluation was another important objective. New exam forms that place an emphasis on conceptual comprehension and creativity are currently guided by the PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) framework, which was created in 2023. Board exam demands, however, are still deeply ingrained in institutional and family attitudes, necessitating both policy reform and cultural transformation.

Reforms regarding autonomy and consolidation are also occurring in higher education institutions. By taking the place of several regulatory agencies, the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) seeks to improve quality control and governance. Multidisciplinary models have previously been adopted by universities such as Ashoka, Azim Premji, and IIT Madras, which combine entrepreneurship, science, and the humanities.

The worldwide aspect of the NEP is also developing. India's integration of international education has begun with the announcement of campuses in GIFT City, Gujarat, by foreign universities including Deakin University and the University of Wollongong. This shows faith in India's ability to serve as a South Asian centre for education and in its modernisation of regulations.

But there are still a lot of difficulties. Budgetary allotments for education continue to lag much below the suggested 6% of GDP, at about 2.9%. Systems for hiring, preparing, and holding teachers accountable need to be greatly improved. While public schools struggle with infrastructure and resource shortages, private school affordability disparities nonetheless restrict diversity. Many NEP targets run the risk of remaining aspirational in the absence of significant finance and oversight.

Five years later, the true success of NEP 2020 rests not only in structural changes but also in a mentality change: from degrees to skills, from memorisation to thinking, and from teaching to learning. The policy has begun to alter discussions in communities, colleges, and classrooms.

The degree to which India educates and empowers its youth will determine its demographic dividend. The framework is provided by NEP 2020; we now need to execute it steadily, ensure equitable access, and have the guts to innovate. One thing is certain as the subsequent implementation phase progresses: education will determine the type of country India becomes by 2047.