NEP 2020 in 2025: How Far Has India Come in Reforming Education?

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was launched with a vision to transform India’s education system. Five years later, in 2025, it is important to take a closer look at how the policy has been implemented across the country. From changes in school structure to new teaching methods and vocational training, the NEP 2020 has introduced several key reforms aimed at making education more inclusive, flexible, and rooted in Indian values.

In this blog, First Post explores the current status of NEP 2020 implementation, the progress made so far, and the challenges ahead.

What is NEP 2020?

The National Education Policy 2020 was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020, replacing the previous policy from 1986. It focuses on holistic and multidisciplinary education, foundational literacy and numeracy, early childhood care, flexibility in subject choices, and the integration of technology in teaching.

Its goal is to make India’s education system one of the best in the world while preserving the country’s rich culture and diversity.

School Education Reforms: 5+3+3+4 Structure

One of the major changes introduced by NEP 2020 was the restructuring of the school education format. The traditional 10+2 system has now been replaced with the 5+3+3+4 model, which aligns education with the child’s learning stages.

• Foundational Stage (5 years): Includes three years of preschool and Classes 1–2. Emphasis is on play-based and activity-based learning.
• Preparatory Stage (3 years): Classes 3–5 focus on building literacy and numeracy through interactive teaching.
• Middle Stage (3 years): Classes 6–8 introduce critical thinking, scientific temper, and practical learning.
• Secondary Stage (4 years): Classes 9–12 give students the flexibility to choose subjects across streams.

By 2025, many states including Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi have started implementing this model in government and private schools, as reported by First Post.

Focus on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

Another key element of NEP 2020 is the focus on early childhood education. This was previously not part of the formal schooling system. The new policy gives importance to the age group of 3–6 years, which is considered crucial for brain development.

In 2025, Anganwadis are being upgraded with trained educators, and many pre-primary schools now follow the NIPUN Bharat guidelines. These efforts ensure that children are school-ready by the age of six. First Post has highlighted several success stories from rural India where ECCE is creating a strong educational base.

Multilingualism and Cultural Awareness

The policy encourages teaching in the mother tongue or regional language up to Grade 5. It also promotes multilingualism to help students connect better with their roots.

To support this, CBSE launched Bhartiya Bhasha Utsavs in 2024, allowing students to learn and interact in multiple Indian languages. These programs help build national unity and respect for India’s linguistic diversity.

CBSE-affiliated schools are conducting special language camps where students participate in storytelling, folk arts, and music, all in Indian languages. This has been covered widely in education reports, including by First Post.

Vocational Education and Skill Building

By 2025, the policy’s emphasis on vocational training has started showing results. From Class 6 onwards, students are introduced to skills like carpentry, gardening, coding, and even entrepreneurship.

In states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, schools have partnered with local businesses to provide hands-on training. The goal is to make students job-ready and reduce the gap between academic education and real-world skills.

Colleges too are adopting a similar approach. Some have introduced undergraduate degrees that combine academic study with paid apprenticeships. This dual model prepares students for both jobs and further studies.

Higher Education: More Choices, Better Quality

In higher education, NEP 2020 has recommended multidisciplinary learning, exit options in degree courses, and a push for research and innovation.

By 2025, several universities, including IITs and central universities, have implemented the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), which allows students to pause and resume studies with ease.

Moreover, new degree colleges have opened in remote areas of Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, offering courses in science, commerce, humanities, and even traditional Indian knowledge systems. These efforts are expanding access to quality higher education.

Digital Infrastructure and Online Learning

The DIKSHA platform, created by the Ministry of Education, has become a go-to source for teachers and students. It provides textbooks, videos, practice materials, and training modules in 36 Indian languages.

Online learning is now a part of everyday schooling, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of QR-coded textbooks and smart classrooms is becoming more common in public schools, thanks to government support and training programs.

Road Ahead: What More is Needed?

Although significant progress has been made, challenges remain. Many schools, especially in rural areas, still lack basic infrastructure, trained teachers, and digital tools.

There is also a need for better coordination between states and the central government. Implementation must be monitored carefully to ensure that quality is maintained across all regions.

Conclusion

NEP 2020 has laid the foundation for a more inclusive, modern, and flexible education system in India. In 2025, we are seeing clear signs of progress in school structure, early learning, language policy, vocational training, and higher education.

As the implementation continues, it’s important for educators, parents, and policymakers to stay informed and involved.

To stay updated with India’s education developments, visit First Post for real-time news, expert opinions, and in-depth reports.