Education Ministry’s New Curriculum Framework, Board Examination Twice A Year

New Curriculum Framework, Aims to transform the Indian School education system by making it more learner-centric, flexible, multidisciplinary, and holistic.

The Union Education Ministry  launched a new curriculum framework for school education in sync with the National Education Policy (NEP) . The new curriculum framework covers all stages of school education from pre-primary to grade 12 and replaces the existing National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005. The framework has been developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in consultation with various stakeholders such as teachers, students, parents, experts, civil society organizations, state governments, and educational institutions.

Key Features of the New Curriculum Framework

Continuous Assessment

Board exams to be conducted twice a year: The students will have the option to appear for board exams twice a year and retain their best score. This will reduce the stress and anxiety associated with board exams and allow students to perform better. The board exams will also be redesigned to test the conceptual understanding and application skills of the students rather than rote memorization.

 

Flexibility and  Choice of subjects across streams:

The students will have the freedom to choose subjects across different streams without any rigid boundaries. For example, a student can opt for physics, chemistry, mathematics, history, and music as their subjects in grades 11 and 12. This will enable students to pursue their interests and talents across domains and prepare them for diverse career options.

Multilingualism and diversity:

The students will have to study two languages, one of which has to be an Indian language, at each stage of school education. This will promote multilingualism and respect for diversity among the students. The students will also be exposed to Indian culture, heritage, arts, and traditions through the curriculum.

Skill Development:

The students will learn through experiential, inquiry-based, project-based, and problem-based methods that foster curiosity, creativity, and joy among them. The curriculum will also integrate curricular and co-curricular activities such as sports, arts, music, dance, yoga, etc., to provide a holistic learning experience.

Contemporary and emerging issues:

The curriculum will incorporate contemporary and emerging issues such as environmental education, health and wellness education, gender sensitivity, value education, human rights education, peace education, and global citizenship education in the curriculum. These issues will help the students develop ethical reasoning, social responsibility, and global awareness.

The new curriculum framework will be implemented from the academic year 2024-25 onwards in a phased manner. The Ministry of Education and the NCERT will provide guidance and support to the states and UTs in adapting and adopting the framework as per their local needs and requirements. The framework will also be periodically reviewed and updated to ensure its relevance and responsiveness to the changing needs of the society and the economy.

Potential Benefits and Concerns

1. Benefits

• Reduced Exam Pressure: The bi-annual system could help distribute the exam-related stress more evenly throughout the year, promoting a healthier learning environment.
• Real-World Application: With increased focus on skill development, students may be better prepared for real-world challenges and opportunities.
• Customized Learning: The flexibility in subject choices could lead to a more personalized and engaging learning experience.

2. Concerns

• Implementation Challenges: Transitioning to a new framework might pose logistical challenges for schools, educators, and students.
• Evaluation Methods: Continuous assessment requires effective evaluation methods that accurately gauge a student’s progress.
• Equity: The new system could inadvertently create inequalities if not implemented with careful consideration of varying student backgrounds and resources.

Charting the Path Forward

The new curriculum framework presents an exciting opportunity to reshape the educational landscape, fostering a culture of holistic learning and skill development. However, to ensure its success, several critical factors need to be addressed:

• Teacher Training: Educators should be adequately trained to adapt to the new assessment and teaching methods.
• Infrastructure: Schools need to be equipped with the necessary infrastructure to facilitate continuous assessment and skill-oriented education.
• Parental Involvement: Parents play a vital role in supporting their children’s education. Clear communication about the benefits and changes is essential.

Conclusion

The new curriculum framework is expected to usher in a new era of educational transformation in India that will prepare the learners for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The framework proposes a paradigm shift in education, emphasizing continuous assessment, skill development, and personalized learning., which is to create an education system that enables all individuals to reach their fullest potential as human beings and as citizens of India and the world. India is getting ready for dynamic and effective education system that prepares students for a rapidly changing world.