The NCrF framework

The NCrF framework

 

Context

Recently, India with an ambition to become the Global Knowledge Superpower and to transform its education system has introduced National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

 

Relevance:
GS-02 (Education, Development)

 

Dimensions of the Article

• About National Education Policy 2020
• Key Features of NEP, 2020
• What is the NCrF?
• NCrF in Higher Education Institutions (HEI)
• Significance of NCrF

 

About National Education Policy 2020

• The National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 much like its previous versions in 1968 and 1986, is India’s educational roadmap for the 21st century that outlines comprehensive reforms in lines with the present requirements by including technical instruction.
• It aims to make India a Global Knowledge superpower.
• The recommendations were given by the committee headed by Dr. K Kasturirangan, under Ministry of Education.
• The foundational pillars of NEP 2020 are: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability.
• The policy’s ambition is to transform both school and college education into entities that are enriched, adaptive, and multidisciplinary.

 

Key Features of NEP, 2020:

• The policy ensures access to schooling for all students from pre-primary to Grade 12.
• The aim of the policy is to provide quality education for all children aged 3-6 years.
• It has brought in a new curricular and pedagogical structure (5+3+3+4) that aligns with age groups 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years, covering four schooling stages:
  • Foundational (5 years)
  • Preparatory (3 years)
  • Middle (3 years)
  • Secondary (4 years)
• It also houses Integrated Learning Approach by Removing the old rigid separations between arts and sciences, curricular and extra-curricular activities, and vocational and academic streams.
• The policy emphasizes the use of Indian languages and multilingual education.
• National Assessment Centre, PARAKH: It plans to establish a center for Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development.
• It also introduces a dedicated Gender Inclusion Fund and Special Education Zones to support disadvantaged regions and groups.

 

What is the NCrF?

• The NCrF which is a subset of NEP.
• It provides a framework for schools, higher education, vocational training, and skill development institutions with a  flexible approach to credit allocation across various disciplines and activities.

 

NCrF in Higher Education Institutions (HEI)

• Flexibility in Credit Earning: NCrF gives numerous options to students in HEIs to earn credits as it covers a wide range of activities such as classroom learning, lab work, internships, on-the-job training, sports, arts, social work, and more. This approach is to encourage students who are good in their own discipline and also to access multiple avenues to accumulate credits beyond traditional academic paths.

• Adapting to Change: It helps educational institutions to adopt curricula inclined with the evolving job market and skill requirements which helps students to bridge the skill gap they need to get a job.

• Expanding Opportunities: The aim of NCrF is to go beyond just producing knowledge. It mainly helps students to equip skills needed for modern jobs, entrepreneurship, and self-employment.

 

Significance of NCrF:

• Democratisation of Education: It values vocational and skill-based training alongside academic knowledge that helps in breaking the perception of higher education being all about academic excellence. This in-turn will enhances social equity.

• Skill and Knowledge Balance: The NCrF creates a healthy balance between vocational skills and academic learning that are essential for individual and societal progress.

• Enhancing Employability: NCrF with its flexible, skill-based courses helps students gain practical skills, increasing their employability and career prospects.

 

Conclusion

The NEP 2020 and NCrP is another ambitious approach of the government to stay in line with the contemporary needs and future challenges in the educational sector. Although, it poses few challenges, embracing these reforms that focuses on more inclusive, flexible, and skill-oriented education, will help transform the future India to greater heights.