Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government’s School and Mass Education Department has officially reviewed and approved 17 newly developed textbooks for students in Class 5 and Class 8.
That's a great request! The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a new format in India's education system. Its central goal is to transform the country into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society.
Foundational Stage (5 years): Ages 3-8 (3 years of Anganwadi/pre-school + Grades 1-2). Focuses on multi-level, play/activity-based learning.
Preparatory Stage (3 years): Ages 8-11 (Grades 3-5). Introduces more formal, interactive classroom learning, including reading, writing, and speaking.
Middle Stage (3 years): Ages 11-14 (Grades 6-8). Subject teachers teach abstract concepts across the sciences, mathematics, arts, social sciences, and humanities. Vocational education is introduced.
Secondary Stage (4 years): Ages 14-18 (Grades 9-12). Features multidisciplinary study, greater choice of subjects, and critical thinking.
Holistic and Multidisciplinary Learning: There will be no rigid separation between arts and sciences, between curricular and extra-curricular activities, or between vocational and academic streams. Students can choose subjects more flexibly.
Reduced Curricular Content: The content is being reduced to focus on essential learning, critical thinking, and a deeper conceptual understanding, moving away from rote memorization.
Experiential Learning: The policy promotes hands-on learning, integrating subjects like arts and sports, and including vocational education (with internships) from Class 6 onwards.
Multilingualism: The policy recommends teaching in the mother tongue or regional language until at least Grade 5, and preferably until Grade 8 and beyond, to improve comprehension.
Higher Education: It proposes a broad-based, multidisciplinary undergraduate education with flexible curricula. Crucially, it introduces multiple entry and exit points with appropriate certification (e.g., a certificate after one year, a diploma after two, and a degree after three or four years). This flexibility allows students to pause and resume their education.
Academic Bank of Credit (ABC): This system will digitally store the academic credits earned by a student, allowing them to be transferred and counted towards a degree when they resume studies.
Pioneering Policy Implementation
Odisha is the first state in the country to translate and contextualize 55 new NCERT textbooks under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This move ensures that the educational material aligns with the state's specific needs, culture, and heritage.Focus on Holistic Development
To promote the holistic development of its students, Odisha has introduced textbooks for three new subjects:- Art Education
- Physical Education and Wellness
- Vocational Education
That's a great request! The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a new format in India's education system. Its central goal is to transform the country into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society.
Key Features of the NEP 2020
The policy focuses on making education holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary, while promoting critical thinking and conceptual understanding.1. New Curricular Structure: The 5+3+3+4 Design
The NEP replaces the old 10+2 structure with a 5+3+3+4 design to align schooling with the cognitive development of children.Foundational Stage (5 years): Ages 3-8 (3 years of Anganwadi/pre-school + Grades 1-2). Focuses on multi-level, play/activity-based learning.
Preparatory Stage (3 years): Ages 8-11 (Grades 3-5). Introduces more formal, interactive classroom learning, including reading, writing, and speaking.
Middle Stage (3 years): Ages 11-14 (Grades 6-8). Subject teachers teach abstract concepts across the sciences, mathematics, arts, social sciences, and humanities. Vocational education is introduced.
Secondary Stage (4 years): Ages 14-18 (Grades 9-12). Features multidisciplinary study, greater choice of subjects, and critical thinking.
2. Curriculum and Pedagogical Reforms
Focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN): The highest priority is placed on achieving universal FLN for all primary school children by 2025.Holistic and Multidisciplinary Learning: There will be no rigid separation between arts and sciences, between curricular and extra-curricular activities, or between vocational and academic streams. Students can choose subjects more flexibly.
Reduced Curricular Content: The content is being reduced to focus on essential learning, critical thinking, and a deeper conceptual understanding, moving away from rote memorization.
Experiential Learning: The policy promotes hands-on learning, integrating subjects like arts and sports, and including vocational education (with internships) from Class 6 onwards.
Multilingualism: The policy recommends teaching in the mother tongue or regional language until at least Grade 5, and preferably until Grade 8 and beyond, to improve comprehension.
3. Assessment and Higher Education Changes
Assessment Reforms: The shift is from summative assessment (testing for marks) to regular and formative assessment (testing for competency and development). The goal is to test higher-order skills like analysis and critical thinking.Higher Education: It proposes a broad-based, multidisciplinary undergraduate education with flexible curricula. Crucially, it introduces multiple entry and exit points with appropriate certification (e.g., a certificate after one year, a diploma after two, and a degree after three or four years). This flexibility allows students to pause and resume their education.
Academic Bank of Credit (ABC): This system will digitally store the academic credits earned by a student, allowing them to be transferred and counted towards a degree when they resume studies.

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