New Education Policy NEP – UP Schools are implementing minimum age criteria changes, Haryana isn’t

[As of August mid, the update is that very few schools in Gurgaon are indeed following NEP guidelines while very few in UP are not]. Admissions have started in Delhi NCR region and so is the confusion around implementation of NEP (National Education Policy). In 2020, a National Education Policy (NEP) was envisioned. The aim of this policy was to introduce much needed overhaul of education system in the country. One of the key changes that the policy introduced is the 5+3+3+4 education system instead of current 10+2 system. Another key change is the age limit for admissions to different classes. We did a short research basis of which it seems that the New Education Policy NEP – UP Schools are implementing minimum age criteria changes while Haryana isn’t. We look at the recommendations of NEP and its status of implementation in Delhi NCR region.

It is worth noting that state education which was previously a state subject until 1976, is now part of a concurrent list where policies can be framed at both center and state level. NEP is just one such initiative by center. Even though NEP’s first draft came in 2020, it has gone through some amendments and the center had asked states to implement NEP policy last year itself. Not all states though have started its implementation. It recommends a 5+3+3+4 system where till 2nd class constitutes first 5  years of foundation, then 3 years will be in preparatory (class 3rd to 5th), next 3 years for middle school (class 6th to 8th) and then finally 4 years of senior school (class 9th to 12th). It also advises a radical change in age limit where a child can start class 1 only after attaining 6 years of age.

With 2024-25 admission session approaching, schools are confused about whether they should implement NEP policies or not. And that implies the parents are also confused as to whats the minimum age criteria anymore. We talked to some schools in Delhi NCR and it is quite clear that Haryana schools especially in Gurgaon have made up their mind not to implement it this year. Age limit of admissions declared in Gurgaon so far suggests that any child with greater than 3 years old. UP schools like those in Noida, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida seem to be mentioning the age limit as 4 years for Nursery. This implies that while Haryana hasn’t planned on implementing it this admission season, UP is doing it or at least most of UP schools are doing it.

What is in store for parents? How it will impact the children still needs to be seen but this definitely implies less pressure initially on children and more board examinations/evaluations potentially at each phase of graduation in the education system (meaning we could have board exams in 5th, 8th and 12th standard instead of 10th and 12th).

Do write to us should you have any questions or suggestions on the topic.

Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Go4Reviews