A Case of Practical, Pragmatic and Innovative Education
(Source: Page 8, The Indian Express)
| Topic: GS1: Indian Physical Geography (Monsoons); GS3: Disaster Management, Climate Adaptation |
| Context |
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From Rote to Practical Learning
- NEP 2020 marks a paradigm shift from content-heavy, exam-centric education to skill-based, interdisciplinary, and experiential learning.
- Emphasis on hands-on training, internships, and application of knowledge through real-world engagement.
Improving Employability
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India’s higher education system has historically produced degree holders with poor employment outcomes.
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NEP seeks to bridge the academia-industry gap through vocational programs, soft-skills training, and updated curricula aligned with market needs.
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Focus on outcome-based education and multiple entry-exit options under the Academic Bank of Credits.
Global Collaboration and Flexibility
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The policy encourages international collaborations, allowing foreign universities in India and Indian universities abroad.
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Supports credit transfer, dual degrees, and online hybrid learning, enabling students to gain global exposure.
Institutional Resistance and Structural Gaps
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Many institutions remain rigid in structure and resist change.
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Challenges include:
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Faculty shortage and lack of training for innovative pedagogy.
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Digital divide affecting access to tech-enabled learning.
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Inadequate funding for implementation in rural and state-run universities.
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Also Read: The Hindu Editorial 29 May 2025
Way Forward/Recommendation
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Implement targeted capacity-building for teachers, modernize infrastructure, and ensure greater autonomy to institutions.
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Prioritize industry-academia collaboration with internship mandates and research partnerships.
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Improve monitoring through performance-linked funding and student feedback mechanisms.
| Practice Question: “The National Education Policy 2020 aims to make India’s higher education system globally competitive and employment-oriented. Critically examine the progress and challenges in its implementation.” (GS2, 250 words, 15 marks) |
