NEP, 2020 : General Education Embedded with Skill and Vocational Education

Abstract

The NEP, 2020 envisages that at least 50% of learners in school and higher education system shall have an exposure to vocational education by 2025. Keeping this in view, the policy recommends that Vocational Education shall be integrated in the educational offerings of all secondary schools in a phased manner. Thus, secondary schools will also collaborate with ITIs, polytechnics, local industry, etc. A framework of possible pathways of synchronizing general education with vocational and skill education is suggested by the UGC. Focus areas for Vocational Education will be chosen based on skills gap analysis and mapping of local opportunities. This framework will provide the basis for recognition of prior learning. The credit-based framework will also facilitate mobility across ‘general’ and ‘vocational education’. The new higher education system tends to be inclusive of all tertiary education and training sectors and learning pathways. Learning modes could be formal, non-formal, and informal learning with quality assurance so that the outcomes are comparable, recognizable, and transferable. Recognition of prior learning and the integration of skills and competencies earned by learners as credits into a formal certification of academic qualification is a unique practice. The outcomes are comparable, recognizable, and transferable, and thus contribute to lifelong learning. The present article highlights the background of the Vocational Education along with NEP policy perspective on vocational education. It also highlights the theoretical framework for synchronization of general education with vocational and skill education as suggested by UGC.