What progress has been made in India's foundational literacy and numeracy since NEP 2020?

Since NEP 2020, there has been a notable improvement in reading and numeracy skills for students in Grades 3 and 5, with outcomes exceeding pre-COVID levels.

What are the main learning challenges remaining in India's education system?

Significant learning deficits persist after primary school, with many Grade 8 students still struggling with basic reading skills, and vocational education remains undervalued.

How does NEP 2020 aim to address India's learning deficits?

NEP 2020 focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy through missions like NIPUN Bharat and encourages flexible approaches, aiming to ensure children can read and count effectively.

Home / Education / India's Learning Crisis: NEP 2020 Shows Progress, Gaps Remain

India's Learning Crisis: NEP 2020 Shows Progress, Gaps Remain

9 Feb

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Summary

India's NEP 2020 boosts foundational literacy and numeracy.
Learning deficits persist significantly after primary school.
Vocational skills need to be valued equally with degrees.

India's Learning Crisis: NEP 2020 Shows Progress, Gaps Remain

India's education landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, prioritizing foundational literacy and numeracy. This policy shift, especially through the NIPUN Bharat mission, has yielded encouraging results, with recent ASER data indicating a notable improvement in reading and numeracy skills across Grades 3 and 5, surpassing pre-COVID levels. This marks a crucial development after years where 50 percent of Grade 5 students struggled with basic Grade 2-level reading.

Despite these advancements, the learning crisis is far from resolved. Experts highlight that learning trajectories flatten sharply after primary school, with a concerning 30 percent of Grade 8 students still unable to read at a Grade 2 level. This accumulation of learning deficits underscores the urgent need for effective catch-up strategies for older children and a stronger focus on retention and meaningful educational transitions.