The CBSE has plans to deploy the new format, in which it would establish a 5+3+3+4 pedagogical structure, based on the recommendations of NEP 2020. The Board is anticipated to provide instructions to all CBSE-affiliated schools nationwide in order for them to prepare for the transition from the current 10+2 system to the suggested 5+3+3+4 model. While the internal assessments and board exams will still be given, the division of the pedagogical structure in accordance with NEP-2020 will make the children's learning paths more clear and promote their overall development.
This will lead to the preparatory stage, which will include pupils in grades III through V, and then the middle school, which will include grades VI through VIII. From class IX to XII, the final secondary level of study will last four years. "While classes I through XII are already in place, the implementation of NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework will bring the pre-primary level (which includes three years of early childhood learning) into the formal education system. The ministry of education will share responsibility for early childhood education, which is currently the purview of the ministry of women and child development.
An NCERT official on condition of anonymity says that the NCERT textbooks and the NCF will be based on NEP 2020 guidelines where the focus will be on Indian heritage and culture, experiential learning and tech-based education including hybrid learning, audio, video and apps that may be used as teaching-learning tools.
Considering many CBSE schools already have their pre-nurseries and preparatory schools, they will soon become a part of formal schooling. Residential institutions such as Navodaya schools that start from class VI onwards, will have to evolve their own policies as per the NEP-2020 guidelines.
NEP 2020 has split the schooling system into four stages - the foundational stage (for age 3 to 8 years); preparatory stage covering class III to V (age 8 to 11 years); middle level covering class VI to VIII (age 11 to 14 years) and the secondary stage for class IX to XII (age 14 to 18 years). Evidently, the CBSE structure will be based on these stages.
The NEP also mandates the registry of schools, teachers and students to monitor the development of learners during the different stages of schooling. “While school registry (data) of CBSE affiliated schools and the registry of students from class IX-XII already exists, CBSE will follow the guidelines from the education ministry for the rest of the resources,” Emanuel says.
This new format, he believes, will ensure “proper care and equal opportunities for every student - whether rural or urban - to boost their holistic development