New Delhi: Pre-school education for students in the 3-6 year age group will become an integral part of education from 2021 onwards, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said Thursday.
Nishank was answering students’ queries related to the new National Education Policy (NEP), on his Twitter page. From the timeline of various initiatives mentioned in the policy to their details, Nishank answered a host of questions.
On a question asking the minister about the implementation of the 5+3+3+4 school structure mentioned in the policy, the minister said, “The National Curriculum for school education, which will come in 2021, will clearly define the 5+3+3+4 structure proposed in NEP in detail. In this new structure, pre-school (age 3 to 6) will become an integral part of school education.”
The National Curriculum for school education, which will come in 2021, will clearly define the 5+3+3+4 structure proposed in #NEP in detail. In this new structure, pre-school (age 3 to 6) will become an integral part of school education. #NEPTransformingIndia https://t.co/4jb3Waasye
— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) October 1, 2020
The current school education system is a 10+2 system, where formal schooling starts at the age of 6 years, but the new policy aims to change it by including pre-school education in the formal school system. Once the policy is properly implemented, government schools will have nursery and pre-nursery classes, supported by anganwadis.
The 5+3+3+4 system includes 5 years of foundational learning (3 years of preschool/anganwadi and 2 years of classes 1 and 2); 3 years of preparatory learning (classes 3 to 5); 3 years of middle school (classes 6 to 8) and 4 years of secondary school (classes 9 to 12)
Tech in education
Apart from this, the minister also talked about the emphasis that NEP puts on the inclusion of technology in education, keeping in mind the current pandemic and future needs.
“Keeping in view the present pandemic situation and any such situation that may arise in future, NEP has put great emphasis on the use of technology and online education for children. Online platforms such as SWAYAM and DIKSHA will be expanded,” the minister said.
Keeping in view the present #pandemic situation & any such situation that may arise in future, #NEP has put great emphasis on the use of technology & online #education for children. Online platforms such as @SWAYAMMHRD, #DIKSHA will be expanded. #NEPTransformingIndia https://t.co/kbEtKJJ9g4
— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) October 1, 2020
With schools and colleges being closed since March due to the pandemic, students are continuing their studies online with additional help from government platforms such as SWAYAM and DIKSHA that have educational content for colleges and schools.
Going ahead, the ministry plans to make online learning a part of learning and students would be taught in the blended learning mode. Some parts of the lessons would be imparted in the classroom and some will be online, the government has planned.
Also read: Common entrance tests for all undergraduate courses across India likely from next year