India’s education system, with its deep-rooted history of learning, has faced significant challenges over the years, including unequal access, outdated curricula, and limited funding. Rural and underprivileged communities still grapple with disparities in literacy and dropout rates, while outdated teaching material fails to align with the demands of a modern workforce. However, recent decades have seen remarkable progress, with India becoming home to numerous globally respected universities and colleges. Initiatives like the Right to Education Act and increased government funding have expanded access and modernised curricula, signalling a shift toward a more inclusive and future-ready education system.

Policies Driving the Shift Towards Progressive Education

India’s education system is undergoing a seismic shift, largely driven by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisions a more holistic, inclusive, and flexible approach to education. NEP 2020 aims to overhaul traditional rote learning methods and foster critical thinking, creativity, and experiential learning at all levels of education.

Key Changes Under NEP 2020:

1. Curriculum Reform: The NEP mandates a redesign of the school curriculum to focus on experiential and application-based learning. It encourages integrating arts, sports, and vocational education into mainstream curricula to foster multidisciplinary learning.
2. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission: To address early learning gaps, the government launched the NIPUN Bharat Mission (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy), aiming for foundational literacy and numeracy for all children by Grade 3 by 2026-27.
3. Flexible Assessments: NEP emphasises competency-based learning and formative assessments over traditional rote-based testing. The introduction of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), a national assessment centre, aims to standardise assessments across states while moving away from memory-based evaluations.
4. Integration of Technology: With the launch of platforms like DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) and initiatives such as PM eVidya, the NEP promotes the use of digital tools and multimedia content to make education accessible and engaging, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
5. Vocational Training and 21st-Century Skills: Students from Grade 6 onwards can explore vocational education through internships and skill-based learning modules, addressing employability and industry-relevant skills.
6. Regional Inclusivity: The NEP promotes multilingual education, ensuring that children can learn in their mother tongue or regional language up to Grade 5, facilitating better comprehension and learning outcomes.
7. Holistic Teacher Training: The NEP also emphasises continuous teacher development to enable educators to adopt innovative pedagogical practices such as flipped classrooms, experiential learning, and collaborative activities.

Beyond Policy: Broader Transformation

While government policies like the NEP are pivotal, transforming the education system requires a collaborative effort across various sectors:

Leveraging Technology

Digital platforms and AI-powered tools offer personalised learning experiences, bridging the urban-rural divide. The success of e-learning initiatives highlights the potential for technology in democratising education access.

Addressing Disparities

Despite reforms, rural areas and marginalised communities continue to face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of skilled educators, and limited access to resources. As per a UNESCO report (2022), only 20% of schools in India have internet facilities, and less than 50% have functional computer labs. Targeted investments in rural infrastructure and training programs for educators are critical to bridging this gap.

Social and Emotional Learning

NEP 2020 also emphasises social and emotional learning, aiming to nurture empathy, self-awareness, and decision-making skills. Programs integrated with extracurricular activities can help foster well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate life’s complexities.

Reimagining Education

India’s education system is at a crossroads. While the shift from rote learning to critical thinking, problem-solving, and holistic development is promising, the journey is far from complete.

Transforming India’s education system is a monumental but necessary task, requiring collaborative efforts from the government, industries, NGOs, and local communities. Partnerships can provide students with mentorship and real-world experiences, while active engagement with parents and stakeholders fosters a supportive learning environment.

Addressing disparities in access to quality education—especially in rural and underserved areas—remains crucial. Bridging these gaps in infrastructure, resources, and teacher training is vital for equitable development. By recognising and addressing these challenges, India can build an education system that not only prepares students for tests but also equips them with the skills and confidence to navigate life’s complexities.

 The author is Head of Community Outreach, Embassy Group