What Are the Main Features of NEP 2020? A Clear Breakdown of India’s New Education Framework

Understanding the features of NEP 2020 is essential to grasp how India is transforming its education system for the future. The National Education Policy 2020, introduced by the Ministry of Education, marks a bold shift toward student-centric, flexible, and inclusive learning.

It replaces the 34-year-old National Policy on Education (1986) and aims to make Indian education more skill-focused, multidisciplinary, digitally integrated, and globally competitive. The reforms span across school education, higher education, teacher training, and governance.

Top Features of NEP 2020 That Are Reshaping Education in India

1. New 5+3+3+4 School Structure

NEP 2020 replaces the traditional 10+2 model with a new 5+3+3+4 format aligned with a child’s cognitive development.

• Foundational Stage (5 years): Preschool to Grade 2
  
  

• Preparatory Stage (3 years): Grades 3 to 5
  
  

• Middle Stage (3 years): Grades 6 to 8
  
  

• Secondary Stage (4 years): Grades 9 to 12

This structure emphasizes early childhood care, experiential learning, and conceptual understanding from the beginning.

2. Multilingual Education and Mother Tongue Focus

NEP recommends teaching children in their mother tongue or regional language till at least Grade 5. This helps improve comprehension, learning outcomes, and cultural connection, especially for rural and first-generation learners.

3. Holistic and Skill-Based Curriculum

The policy introduces coding, vocational training, life skills, and critical thinking from an early age. Students will be assessed not just academically, but also on creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and socio-emotional development.

4. No Hard Separation Between Streams or Subjects

One of the most revolutionary features of NEP 2020 is removing the boundaries between arts, science, and commerce. Students can mix subjects based on interest—for example, physics with history, or maths with music.

5. Academic Bank of Credits and Credit Transfer

Higher education adopts a credit-based system. Students earn credits for every course, which are stored digitally via their Academic Bank of Credits (ABC ID). They can transfer credits when switching institutions or resuming studies after a break.

Learn more about the ABC credit system in our blog on uses of ABC ID.

6. Flexible Higher Education With Multiple Exit Options

Undergraduate programs now offer multiple exit and entry points:

• 1 year: Certificate
  
  

• 2 years: Diploma
  
  

• 3 years: Bachelor's
  
  

• 4 years: Bachelor's with Research

This encourages students to pursue education at their own pace, based on personal and career goals.

7. National Assessment Centre: PARAKH

NEP establishes PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) to standardize school assessment and promote competency-based evaluations instead of rote-based testing.

8. Technology Integration and Online Learning

The policy supports digital learning through platforms like DIKSHA, SWAYAM, and National Digital Library. Institutions are encouraged to adopt blended models with online modules, especially for higher education and teacher training.

9. Reformed Teacher Education and Professional Standards

NEP 2020 mandates a 4-year integrated B.Ed program by 2030. It also introduces the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) to elevate teaching quality, ensure accountability, and promote ongoing skill development.

10. Autonomy for Colleges and Institutional Restructuring

Colleges will become autonomous degree-granting institutions or form clusters under universities. This reduces regulatory control and enhances academic and administrative freedom for institutions to innovate and grow.

NEP 2020 + TruScholar: Securing Academic Credentials in the New System

TruScholar supports the features of NEP 2020 by helping institutions issue tamper-proof, blockchain-verified digital certificates aligned with ABC and NAD systems. This makes academic records secure, shareable, and globally verifiable.

How TruScholar Adds Value:

• Blockchain-based transcript and degree verification
  

• Integration with DigiLocker and ABC ID
  

• Support for micro-credentials and skill-based certificates
  

• One-click sharing of academic proof with employers or institutions

Visit the TruScholar blog for real-world use cases and implementation insights.

The features of NEP 2020 are not just policy changes—they represent a cultural shift in how India views learning. By focusing on flexibility, technology, skills, and inclusion, NEP 2020 lays the foundation for a smarter, more empowered generation of learners and educators.