The following are the highlights of NEP 2020:

• Ensuring universal access to education from pre-primary school to Grade 12 and quality early childhood care and education for all children between 3-6 years

• New Pedagogical Structure (5+3+3+4)

• Establishing National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy

• Promoting multilingualism and Indian languages; mother tongue to be the preferred medium of instruction until Grade 5.

• Equitable and inclusive education with an increased focus on vocational education  in school

• Holistic multidisciplinary education with multiple entry/exit options

• Higher investment in digital infrastructure and availability of online teaching platforms, virtual labs and digital repositories

NEP 2020 aims to develop both the cognitive capacities as well as the social, ethical and emotional capacities of the students. Let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of new education policy 2020!

However, there are some points which have received criticism from some sections of society. The following are some of the disadvantages of the new education policy 2020:

• Teaching in the mother tongue will be challenging: Teaching the fundamental subjects in the mother tongue will be a hassle as India has 22 scheduled languages and innumerable dialects. The course material will need to be converted to these languages first, and then the requirement of skilled teachers to implement this.
• Widening the gap between learners: As the mother tongue is going to be the preferred medium of instruction till class 5, the introduction of English after 5th standard in government schools will widen the gap with the private schools that have been providing education in English since the beginning.
• Challenge of digital divide: The digital divide present in India is even more extreme in rural areas where not everyone can afford smartphones. The problem is further compounded by the poor IT infrastructure of government-run schools, which will create implementation issues in the digitization of education. 

However, the issues with these policies can be changed with due government intervention.

The largest school-focused ed-tech provider in India, LEAD, provides a range of instruction options that are fully compliant with the NEP 2020:

• Pre-primary Curriculum: It includes instructional strategies, resources, and age-appropriate content to prepare kids for more advanced learning. A comprehensive, theme-based learning method promotes children’s holistic development, which is in line with NEP principles on Early Childhood Care and Education.
• International Education Curriculum: The extensively researched and internationally standardised curriculum of LEAD encompasses the finest techniques adopted from different nations and is in sync with NEP.
• Digital Classroom Software: By utilising modern learning technologies to their full potential, LEAD’s highly innovative digital classroom solutions are created to stimulate children’s senses. They have the latest learning tools, including smart classrooms, virtual labs, digital repositories, etc., to provide students with flexible and interesting learning opportunities.
• English Language and General Awareness (ELGA): Focusing on five components of English: Writing and Speaking Expression, Whole Words, Phonics, Grammar, and Reading and Listening Comprehension, ELGA is a unique skill-based programme that helps children learn English better and faster.
• Sampoorna Hindi: The Sampoorna Hindi programme of LEAD complements the NEP’s multilingual and culturally embedded themes as it helps kids develop their Hindi language skills holistically.

So, move ahead with LEAD and successfully implement the NEP 2020 guidelines while making your students smart learners.