Perspectives in Education and Education Policy · Chapter 10

NEP 2020, NCFPE 2022 and NCFSE 2023

What to remember

NEP 2020 (National Education Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet on 29 July 2020) replaced the 1986 policy. It was drafted by a committee led by Dr K. Kasturirangan and changes school structure from 10+2 to 5+3+3+4.
NCFPE 2022 is the framework for the early years (ages 3 to 8). Its curriculum is built around play and around five areas of development called Panchakosha.
NCFSE 2023 is the National Curriculum Framework for School Education. It covers four stages of school and brings the aims of NEP 2020 into classroom curriculum.

National Education Policy 2020: main ideas

NEP 2020 is the first education policy of the 21st century. It aims to make education holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary and rooted in Indian values, and links to the global goal on quality education (Sustainable Development Goal 4). A draft was prepared by a committee under Dr K. Kasturirangan, a former chief of ISRO, and shared in 2019. The policy has four parts: school education, higher education, other key areas (such as adult education and technology), and making it happen.

Key goals:

Universal access to early childhood care and education (ECCE).
Foundational literacy and numeracy for every child by Grade 3. NIPUN Bharat (2021) is the national mission for this.
No hard separation between arts and sciences, or between curricular and extracurricular activities. Subject choices become flexible.
Public spending on education of about 6% of GDP.
A higher education gross enrolment ratio of 50% by 2035.

The new school structure: 5+3+3+4

Stage	Ages	Grades
Foundational	3-8	3 years of preschool + Grades 1-2
Preparatory	8-11	Grades 3-5
Middle	11-14	Grades 6-8
Secondary	14-18	Grades 9-12

The earlier 10+2 system started formal school at age 6 and left out ages 3 to 6. The new structure brings the early years inside the school system.

Other school-level proposals

Language: the mother tongue or home language as the medium of instruction at least till Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8 and beyond. The three-language formula stays, but no language is imposed on any state.
Assessment: a move from rote testing to competency-based assessment. A Holistic Progress Card gives a 360-degree view of the learner. A national assessment centre called PARAKH sets standards. Board examinations are meant to be low-stakes and may be offered more than once a year.
Curriculum: reduced content, more critical thinking, experiential and activity-based learning, coding and vocational exposure from middle school, and bagless days.
Teachers: a four-year integrated B.Ed. is to become the minimum qualification for teaching in the long run. National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) are to be framed. The TET is to be strengthened.
Equity: attention to socially and economically disadvantaged groups (SEDGs) and a Gender Inclusion Fund.
Schools: school complexes (clusters) to share resources; improved school governance and quality assessment.
Higher education: a single regulator (HECI), Academic Bank of Credits, a National Research Foundation, multidisciplinary universities, and a flexible four-year undergraduate programme.

Early years framework (NCFPE 2022)

The framework for ages 3 to 8 is often called NCFPE 2022. In NCERT papers it is the framework for the foundational stage. It is based on NEP 2020 and is meant for anganwadis, preschools and Grades 1 and 2.

Main ideas:

Play-based and activity-based learning is the main method. Children learn through toys, songs, stories, art, movement and games, and not through heavy writing or formal tests.
Panchakosha: five sheaths of development, drawn from Indian thought.

Kosha (sheath)	Area of development
Annamaya	Physical development (Sharirik Vikas)
Pranamaya	Development of life energy and health (Pranik Vikas)
Manomaya	Emotional and mental development (Manasik Vikas)
Vijnanamaya	Intellectual development (Bauddhik Vikas)
Anandamaya	Spiritual development, inner joy (Atmik Vikas)

The framework wants a three-year preschool followed by two years of early school, with a smooth link. A school-readiness module, Vidya Pravesh, gives a play-based start in Grade 1.
Stress on the mother tongue, on foundational literacy and numeracy, and on involvement of parents.
Teachers observe and record growth rather than testing. Learning outcomes for the stage are expressed as learning goals, written in simple, observable terms.

National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE 2023)

Released in August 2023. It was prepared by a steering committee headed by Dr K. Kasturirangan, with NCERT writing the document. It follows an earlier foundational-stage framework (2022), and later volumes cover teacher education and adult education.
It describes curricular goals and competencies for each stage and subject, with learning standards.
It adopts the four stages: Foundational, Preparatory, Middle and Secondary. Each stage has specific pedagogy: play and activity in the foundational stage, more structured but joyful learning in the preparatory stage, discipline-based learning in the middle stage, and multidisciplinary, flexible choice in the secondary stage.
At the secondary stage, there is no rigid division into streams. Students choose subjects from different areas, with more freedom, and may go in for semester-style courses.
Board examinations are to be offered twice a year, to reduce pressure, and to test understanding and application and not rote recall. A student can try to improve a score.
Three languages are to be learnt, with at least two being languages native to India. The mother tongue is encouraged as the medium of learning in the early stages.
Education has a place for art, physical education, vocational skills, and values. Learning is expected to be linked to Indian knowledge traditions, as well as to modern science and technology.
The assessment is mainly to help learning, with portfolios, projects and observation. The focus is on competencies.

Document	Focus	Age or level
NEP 2020	Overall policy	School to higher education
NCFPE 2022	Early-years curriculum, Panchakosha	3-8 years
NCFSE 2023	Curriculum for four school stages	3-18 years

Classroom meaning for teachers

Plan activities, not only lectures. In early classes, use play, stories and songs.
Use the home language and let children express ideas freely.
Assess in many ways: observation, portfolios, oral tasks and projects.
Teach for competence: can the child explain, apply and create?
Keep records of each child's development.

More details of NEP 2020 worth remembering

Vision: an education system rooted in Indian ethos that contributes to a just and equitable society. The policy treats education as a basic requirement for development and wants every learner to reach his or her potential.
Fundamental principles: respect for the uniqueness of each child; stress on foundational literacy; flexibility; no hard separation of streams; creativity and critical thinking; ethics and human values; use of multilingualism; life skills; regular formative assessment; extensive use of technology; and respect for local context.
Gifted children and special needs: the policy wants support systems for children with disabilities, resource centres and inclusive classrooms.
Vocational education: exposure to vocational skills from Grade 6 with internships, so that skill work is not a lower-status track.
Technology: a National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) to exchange ideas on use of technology in learning, assessment and planning.
Adult education: lifelong learning and adult literacy are included under "other key areas".
Regulation: school-level regulation is separated into policy-making, regulation, operation and academic standard-setting, so that no single body does everything. At the state level, a State School Standards Authority is proposed, and the State Council of Educational Research and Training prepares the school quality framework.

Words that the three documents share

Idea	NEP 2020	NCFPE 2022	NCFSE 2023
Play and activity	Yes, in early years	Core method	Used in foundational and preparatory stages
Mother tongue	At least till Grade 5	Strongly stressed	Encouraged in the early stages
Assessment	Competency-based, formative	Observation, no formal tests	Competency-based, portfolios, two board exams
Teacher	Facilitator, continuous development	Observer of growth	Reflective professional

Exam traps

NEP 2020 replaced NPE 1986 (modified 1992); it did not replace the Right to Education Act.
5+3+3+4 is not the same as 10+2; the first 5 includes ages 3 to 6 in preschool.
The foundational stage is 3-8 years; the preparatory stage is 8-11.
Panchakosha belongs to the early-years framework; it is not the five stages of school.
PARAKH is the national assessment centre; it is not a teacher-training body.
NIPUN Bharat targets reading and number skills by Grade 3.
Mother-tongue medium is preferred till Grade 5 (preferably Grade 8); it is not compulsory by law.
Kasturirangan headed both the NEP 2020 drafting committee and the NCFSE steering committee; the Kothari Commission belongs to the 1960s.

One-liners

1. NEP 2020 was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020.
2. Dr K. Kasturirangan headed the drafting committee.
3. The school structure is 5+3+3+4.
4. The foundational stage covers ages 3 to 8.
5. The preparatory, middle and secondary stages cover ages 8-11, 11-14 and 14-18.
6. NIPUN Bharat is the mission for foundational literacy and numeracy.
7. PARAKH is the national assessment centre.
8. The Holistic Progress Card gives a 360-degree view of the child.
9. The four-year integrated B.Ed. is the future minimum teaching degree.
10. Panchakosha has five areas of development.
11. Vidya Pravesh is a play-based school-preparation module.
12. NCFSE 2023 proposes two board examinations a year.

Practice questions

The National Education Policy 2020 replaced which earlier policy?
1. Wood's Despatch
2. Kothari Commission report
3. National Policy on Education 1968
4. National Policy on Education 1986
Answer
D. National Policy on Education 1986
NEP 2020 replaced the 1986 policy (modified in 1992).
Who headed the committee that drafted NEP 2020?
1. Dr D. S. Kothari
2. Prof. Yash Pal
3. Dr S. Radhakrishnan
4. Dr K. Kasturirangan
Answer
D. Dr K. Kasturirangan
A committee led by Dr K. Kasturirangan prepared the draft.
What is the new school structure proposed by NEP 2020?
1. 10+2
2. 6+3+3
3. 8+4
4. 5+3+3+4
Answer
D. 5+3+3+4
Foundational 5, preparatory 3, middle 3, secondary 4.
What is the age group of the foundational stage in NEP 2020?
1. 6 to 11 years
2. 8 to 11 years
3. 11 to 14 years
4. 3 to 8 years
Answer
D. 3 to 8 years
Foundational stage covers ages 3-8.
The preparatory stage in NEP 2020 covers which grades?
1. Grades 6 to 8
2. Grades 3 to 5
3. Grades 9 to 12
4. Grades 1 and 2
Answer
B. Grades 3 to 5
Ages 8-11, Grades 3-5.
The middle stage in NEP 2020 covers which age group?
1. 6 to 9 years
2. 11 to 14 years
3. 8 to 11 years
4. 14 to 18 years
Answer
B. 11 to 14 years
Grades 6-8, ages 11-14.
The secondary stage of NEP 2020 covers
1. Grades 6 to 8
2. Grades 1 to 5
3. Grades 10 and 11 only
4. Grades 9 to 12
Answer
D. Grades 9 to 12
Ages 14-18.
What does NIPUN Bharat aim to achieve?
1. Free school bus service
2. Four-year integrated teacher courses
3. Foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3
4. Single higher education regulator
Answer
C. Foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3
NIPUN Bharat is the national mission for foundational literacy and numeracy.
Which national centre was proposed in NEP 2020 to set assessment standards?
1. SWAYAM
2. DIKSHA
3. PARAKH
4. NIPUN
Answer
C. PARAKH
PARAKH is the national assessment centre.
NEP 2020 recommends that public spending on education should be about
1. 10% of GDP
2. 6% of GDP
3. 2% of GDP
4. 15% of GDP
Answer
B. 6% of GDP
The policy repeats the 6% goal.
The Holistic Progress Card in NEP 2020 gives
1. only marks in languages
2. a 360-degree view of the learner
3. a ranking of schools
4. attendance in one subject
Answer
B. a 360-degree view of the learner
It records cognitive, emotional and social progress.
Panchakosha is linked to which framework?
1. The Sargent Plan
2. The Indian Universities Act
3. The Wood's Despatch
4. The early-years (foundational stage) framework of 2022
Answer
D. The early-years (foundational stage) framework of 2022
The 2022 early-years framework uses five koshas of development.
In the early-years framework, which kosha refers to physical development?
1. Pranamaya
2. Anandamaya
3. Annamaya
4. Manomaya
Answer
C. Annamaya
Annamaya kosha stands for the physical body (Sharirik Vikas).
In Panchakosha, Anandamaya kosha stands for
1. physical growth
2. intellectual growth
3. life energy and health
4. spiritual development and inner joy
Answer
D. spiritual development and inner joy
Anandamaya is spiritual development (Atmik Vikas).
The main method of teaching in the early years under NCFPE 2022 is
1. long written exercises
2. play-based and activity-based learning
3. formal written examinations
4. lectures by the teacher
Answer
B. play-based and activity-based learning
Young children learn through play, stories, songs and movement.
Vidya Pravesh is
1. a board examination
2. a scholarship scheme
3. a teacher test
4. a play-based school-preparation module for Grade 1
Answer
D. a play-based school-preparation module for Grade 1
It gives a three-month play-based start to Grade 1.
NCFSE 2023 proposes that board examinations be held
1. once in five years
2. only for Grade 10
3. only orally
4. twice a year
Answer
D. twice a year
Two chances reduce pressure and allow improvement.
The medium of instruction recommended in NEP 2020 up to at least Grade 5 is
1. English only
2. Sanskrit only
3. the mother tongue or home language
4. a foreign language
Answer
C. the mother tongue or home language
Preferably up to Grade 8 and beyond.
What is the minimum qualification proposed for school teaching in the long run under NEP 2020?
1. One-year diploma
2. Four-year integrated B.Ed.
3. Two-year certificate
4. Higher secondary only
Answer
B. Four-year integrated B.Ed.
A four-year integrated B.Ed. is to be the minimum degree.
NEP 2020 says that no stream should be rigidly separated, so a student may
1. study only one subject
2. be forced into science
3. avoid all languages
4. choose subjects across arts, science and vocational areas
Answer
D. choose subjects across arts, science and vocational areas
Subject choice is made flexible and multidisciplinary.
In NEP 2020, vocational exposure with internships is proposed from
1. Grade 1
2. Grade 3
3. Grade 6
4. Grade 12 only
Answer
C. Grade 6
Middle-stage students get vocational exposure.
A teacher in the foundational stage should mainly assess children by
1. observing and recording their growth
2. long written tests
3. giving a long written test every week
4. ranking children in class
Answer
A. observing and recording their growth
Observation, not formal tests, suits ages 3-8.
A Class 1 teacher uses rhymes, stories and clay modelling to teach counting. This is aligned with
1. lecture method
2. play-based foundational learning
3. board examination preparation
4. rote memorisation
Answer
B. play-based foundational learning
The early-years framework prefers play-based learning.
Which of the following does NEP 2020 NOT propose?
1. Mother tongue medium in early years
2. Flexible subject choice
3. A rigid division between arts and science streams
4. A holistic progress card
Answer
C. A rigid division between arts and science streams
NEP 2020 removes rigid separations.
A school complex or cluster in NEP 2020 is meant to
1. collect fees from parents
2. close all small schools immediately
3. share resources among nearby schools
4. replace the board examination
Answer
C. share resources among nearby schools
Clusters share teachers, labs and libraries.
Which statement about the 5+3+3+4 structure is correct?
1. The first 5 years include three years of preschool and Grades 1 and 2
2. It starts at age 6
3. The first 5 years are Grades 1 to 5
4. It removes the secondary stage
Answer
A. The first 5 years include three years of preschool and Grades 1 and 2
The foundational stage runs from age 3 to 8.
Which document describes curricular goals and competencies for the four stages from age 3 to 18?
1. Sargent Plan
2. Wood's Despatch
3. NPE 1968
4. NCFSE 2023
Answer
D. NCFSE 2023
NCFSE 2023 is the school-level framework.
The three-language idea in NCFSE 2023 says that languages learnt should include
1. only foreign languages
2. only one language
3. no Indian languages
4. at least two languages native to India
Answer
D. at least two languages native to India
At least two languages should be native to India.
Which is a correct pairing of document and focus?
1. NCFPE 2022 - university research
2. NCFSE 2023 - adult literacy only
3. NEP 2020 - overall policy for school and higher education
4. NIPUN Bharat - teacher salary
Answer
C. NEP 2020 - overall policy for school and higher education
NEP 2020 is a broad policy covering school and higher education.
Consider these statements about NEP 2020: 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2020. 2. It keeps the 10+2 structure unchanged. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
A. 1 only
NEP 2020 replaces 10+2 with 5+3+3+4.
Consider these statements: 1. The secondary stage covers ages 8 to 11. 2. The foundational stage covers ages 3 to 8. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
B. 2 only
The secondary stage is ages 14-18.
Consider these statements: 1. NIPUN Bharat targets foundational literacy and numeracy. 2. PARAKH is a mission for school meals. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
A. 1 only
PARAKH is a national assessment centre.
Consider these statements about Panchakosha: 1. It has five areas of development. 2. It belongs to the early-years framework. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
C. Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct.
Consider these statements: 1. NEP 2020 forces Hindi on all states. 2. NEP 2020 prefers mother tongue medium at least till Grade 5. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
B. 2 only
No language is imposed on any state.
Consider these statements: 1. NCFSE 2023 supports two board examinations a year. 2. NCFSE 2023 wants assessment focused on competencies and understanding. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
C. Both 1 and 2
Both are features of NCFSE 2023.
Consider these statements about the early-years framework: 1. It favours play-based learning. 2. It relies on formal written tests for ages 3 to 8. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
A. 1 only
Observation and play are preferred, not formal tests.
Consider these statements: 1. NEP 2020 abolishes teacher eligibility tests. 2. NEP 2020 proposes a four-year integrated B.Ed. as the long-term minimum teaching degree. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
B. 2 only
The policy wants to strengthen TET, not abolish it.
Consider these statements: 1. Dr K. Kasturirangan headed the NEP 2020 drafting committee. 2. Prof. Yash Pal headed the NEP 2020 drafting committee. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
A. 1 only
Yash Pal is associated with NCF 2005.
Consider these statements about NEP 2020: 1. It ignores socially and economically disadvantaged groups. 2. It has a Gender Inclusion Fund. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
B. 2 only
SEDGs are given special attention.
Consider these statements: 1. NEP 2020 includes vocational exposure from middle school. 2. NEP 2020 treats vocational education as a lower-status track. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
A. 1 only
The policy removes the lower-status image of vocational learning.
Consider these statements: 1. Vidya Pravesh is a board examination. 2. Vidya Pravesh gives a play-based start to Grade 1. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
B. 2 only
It is a school-preparation module.
Consider these statements about NCFSE 2023: 1. It describes four stages of school education. 2. It allows students at the secondary stage more flexible subject choices. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
C. Both 1 and 2
Both statements are accurate.
Consider these statements: 1. Holistic progress cards cover cognitive, social and emotional areas. 2. They record only marks in written tests. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
A. 1 only
They give a 360-degree view.
Consider these statements: 1. The same body makes policy, runs schools and regulates them. 2. Under NEP 2020 school quality is to be assessed through a State School Standards Authority. Which is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
B. 2 only
The policy separates these roles.
Which institution is proposed in NEP 2020 as the single regulator for higher education?
1. Higher Education Commission of India
2. University Grants Commission only
3. National Council of Educational Research and Training
4. Central Board of Secondary Education
Answer
A. Higher Education Commission of India
HECI is the proposed single umbrella regulator.

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