National Education Policy 2020 and design thinking in curriculum
In this piece, we give an overview of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) focusing especially on what it says about design. The mention of design in this landmark document contributes to why this issue on ‘Learning by Design’ is put together right now. NEP 2020 is set to change the way we understand and approach education in India. We find this makes it an opportune moment to discuss and collect viewpoints on what design in education can mean.
We set the context for this section by inviting our readers to look at NEP 2020. It reminds us of the mandate that the policy has set for all of us.
NEP 2020 aims to elevate India as a global knowledge leader, transforming the educational framework for the first time since 1986.
It emphasizes inclusivity, flexibility, and skill development, empowering learners from primary to higher education levels.
Key Changes in School Education
Universal Access
NEP targets a 100% school enrolment rate by 2030, re-integrating two crore out-of-school children through accessible open schooling to ensure equitable educational opportunities from preschool to secondary education.
Curricular Restructure
The 10+2 model shifts to a 5+3+3+4 structure, encompassing ages 3-18, integrating early childhood care and structured, age-specific educational milestones to promote comprehensive developmental learning.
Examination Reform
Exams focus on testing core competencies, reducing reliance on memorization.
Students are permitted two attempts, aiming to alleviate exam stress and emphasize understanding over rote learning.
Governance
A new regulatory framework supports fair governance for public and private schools, fostering improved quality, accountability, and a standardized education system with centralized accreditation mechanisms.
Literacy & Vocational Skills
Focuses on foundational literacy and vocational education starting in Grade 6, equipping students with hands-on skills through early internships, merging academic and practical learning pathways.
Language Policy
Students learn in regional languages until Grade 5, ensuring no compulsory language imposition, which strengthens foundational learning and respects linguistic diversity.
Higher Education Transformation
Higher GER Goal
Targets a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio by 2035, adding 3.5 crore higher education seats to increase accessibility and educational inclusivity across India.
Flexible Curriculum
Undergraduate programs offer multiple exit options, supporting various career pathways. Credits transferability allows students to customize their learning journey.
New Institutions
MERUs, modeled after IITs and IIMs, aim to set global education standards in India, fostering multidisciplinary education and research excellence.
Autonomy for Colleges
Fifteen-year plan phases out affiliations, allowing colleges graded autonomy, eventually establishing them as independent degree-granting institutions or university affiliates.
HECI (Higher Education Commission of India)
HECI will oversee regulatory, funding, and academic standards, providing unified, streamlined governance for public and private higher education institutions.
Design Thinking & Skill Development in NEP 2020
NEP 2020 emphasizes integrating design thinking across educational stages to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This shift aligns with modern, interdisciplinary learning that combines science, arts, and technology, fostering skills for a rapidly changing job market.
1. Design Thinking in Curriculum
Project-Based Learning:
Design thinking promotes experiential, hands-on learning through real-world projects where students develop solutions to complex problems. By engaging in iterative improvement processes, students build resilience, learn from mistakes, and adapt their approaches, mirroring real-world problem-solving.
Interdisciplinary Integration:
Design thinking goes beyond a standalone subject, interwoven into science, art, and social studies. This approach encourages students to blend skills across domains, breaking traditional subject boundaries and enhancing their ability to approach problems from multiple perspectives.
2. Skill Development for 21st Century Competencies
Future-Ready Skills:
Through design thinking, students learn skills relevant to evolving job markets, including entrepreneurial mindsets, innovative thinking, and the ability to tackle open-ended challenges, positioning them as adaptable, forward-thinking professionals.
Core Competencies:
NEP 2020 targets essential competencies like creativity, empathy, collaboration, and adaptability. Design thinking fosters these skills by placing students in scenarios that require teamwork, iterative design, and reflective thinking.
3. Integration with Emerging Technologies
Technology and Creativity:
With design thinking, students gain exposure to artificial intelligence, coding, and digital tools, blending creative problem-solving with technological proficiency. This helps them connect tech-driven learning with hands-on projects, building a versatile skill set that spans digital and analytical abilities alongside creative approaches, mirroring real-world problem-solving.
Linking Theory with Application:
NEP encourages students to go beyond theoretical understanding, emphasizing practical application through design projects that incorporate technology and align with modern workforce demands.
Stages of Design Thinking Integration in Education
The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 details how design thinking unfolds across different educational stages, each progressively introducing more complex problem-solving and critical analysis tasks:
1. Foundational Stage (Ages 3-8):
Focuses on structured play and observation, allowing young learners to explore their environment and ask questions, laying the groundwork for critical thinking. By encouraging curiosity and hands-on play, the foundation stage helps students build observation and inquiry skills.
2. Middle Stage (Ages 8-14):
Encourages collaborative projects that promote creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. Students learn to work together, apply design research, and engage in solution-focused projects, developing core skills needed for interdisciplinary problem-solving.
3. Secondary Stage (Ages 14-18):
At this stage, students tackle in-depth, interdisciplinary projects that combine skills across subjects, preparing them for real-world challenges. The secondary stage integrates academic and vocational contexts, guiding students toward problem-solving in fields aligned with their interests and preparing them for future careers.
Historical Evolution of Design Thinking in Indian Education
1988 & 2000 Curriculum Frameworks:
Focused mainly on academics with limited emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, or interdisciplinary projects.
NCF 2005:
Introduced experiential learning and encouraged critical thinking, setting the foundation for design thinking principles by focusing on constructivist approaches where students actively build their understanding.
2010s CBSE Initiatives:
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) began offering electives like Creative Thinking and Innovation, embedding elements of design thinking through interdisciplinary projects and annual innovation competitions.
NEP 2020 & NCF 2023:
Marking a major milestone, NEP 2020 formally integrates design thinking, especially at secondary levels, making it a central educational component. This structured approach fosters creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving through projects that address real-world challenges.
NEP 2020’s design-focused approach represents a transformative shift in India’s education system, moving from rote memorization to fostering holistic, experiential, and skill-oriented learning. By embedding design thinking principles, NEP 2020 prepares students to thrive in a globally connected, rapidly evolving workforce, developing competencies essential for the 21st century.
