In keeping with the foundational philosophy of flexibility, NEP 2020 proposes a multi-disciplinary higher education framework with portable credits, and multiple exits with certificates, diplomas and degrees. It aims to reach the target of 50 per cent in GER by 2035. The role of our colleges in attaining the GER target is recognised by empowering them as autonomous degree-granting institutions and gradually phasing out the idea of affiliated college. The huge potential of online pedagogy and learning methodologies is sought to be tapped extensively to attain the GER target.
According to education experts, the policy has enormous vision for the education sector and the key to its success is in its implementation. Here’s their take on NEP 2020:
Sanjay Padode, Chairman, IFIM Business School
“While everyone is quite enthralled about the liberal framework, I am highly impressed with the recommendation of conducting the foundation years in the mother tongue. This will surely help our students learn the basic concepts quickly without having to deal with an alien language. This policy, if implemented in spirit and word, will not only revive and propagate the Indian tradition and values globally, it will also embed the essential skills in our students and transform them into the professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow and beyond. This is a transformative policy, completely aligned with the future of education.”
Ambrish Sinha, CEO, MeritTrac Services
“NEP 2020 is a progressive, long-awaited, education reform with a forward looking holistic vision. Academic bank of credits and credit transfers are a good innovation. The autonomy provided for HEIs in the new policy is a gamechanger. The focus on technology through setting up of NETF is another progressive step. Lastly, enabling regulations for online and digital education especially in the current scenario will help take quality higher education to the masses.”
Navneet Sharma, Dean, Vijaybhoomi University
“NEP 2020 is to education sector what 1992 was to the Indian economy. UG education can be of three or four years with multiple exit options and appropriate certifications within this period. The NEP is a strong endorsement of Vijaybhoomi’s well-researched liberal professional curriculum. The need of the hour is to establish the future of education in India and that has been fulfilled through NEP.”
Sanjeev Goel, Business Head, Manipal ProLearn
“One of the most significant changes under NEP 2020 is that the school curricula and pedagogy will aim for holistic development of learners by equipping them with the key 21st century skills. The emphasis on enhancing essential learning, critical thinking and greater focus on experiential learning will help students immensely. There will be increased flexibility in choice of subjects as there will be no rigid separations between arts and sciences, between curricular and extra-curricular activities, between vocational and academic streams.
The idea of creating a bank of credits with easy exit and entry options gives room for students to start their education in one college, move to another college in between and have that college issue their degree at the end of four years. This creates a level playing field for all colleges to ensure that they attract admissions and retain students if, and only if, the students find value in continuing their education in that college beyond the first year or the first two years.”