National Curriculum Framework for School Education-NCFSE-2023
Summary of National Curriculum Framework (NCF-2023)
The steering committee, led by former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan, featured a distinguished panel of members, including Fields medalist Manjul Bhargava, former National Book Trust chairperson Govind Prasad Sharma, Najma Akhtar, Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Milind Kamble, founder Chairman of the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Dhir Jhingran, founder director of the NGO Language and Learning Foundation, among other notable individuals.
The final National Curriculum Framework (NCF-2023) released by the NCERT introduces several changes for students in classes 11 and 12. According to this framework, students will now be required to study two languages, one of which must be of Indian origin. This recommendation is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to promote linguistic diversity and preserve Indian languages and literature.
The languages for study will be chosen by students from a range of language and literature courses offered. This pool includes options like Sanskrit and other classical and modern Indian languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Pali, Persian, Prakrit, among others. Additionally, foreign languages like French, German, Japanese, and Korean will also be available as choices.
Previously, CBSE schools taught only one language to students in classes 11 and 12. The inclusion of another language as a mandatory subject will expand the curriculum. The framework’s intention behind this change is to ensure the vitality of these languages and literature, particularly in states where they are traditionally well-taught and nurtured.
The NCF 2023 emphasizes that students should have the option to choose at least one Indian language as the medium of instruction up to Grade 12. CBSE schools have recently been directed to offer Indian languages as mediums of instruction.
The NCF 2023 endorses the draft’s recommendation to hold board examinations twice a year. This change is aimed at providing students with sufficient time and opportunities to perform well. The framework envisions a system where students can appear for board exams in subjects they have completed and feel prepared for. This approach aligns with the concept of on-demand examinations outlined in the NEP 2020.
In terms of the academic structure, the NCF 2023 proposes a semester system for classes 11 and 12. It advocates for a more integrated approach between arts, humanities, and sciences, rather than a strict separation. The long-term vision is for all education boards to adopt semester-based systems, allowing students to test in subjects as they complete them. This approach aims to reduce the content load assessed in a single examination.
The NCFSE 2023 introduces changes such as the requirement of studying two languages, offering Indian languages as mediums of instruction, conducting board exams twice a year, and promoting a more integrated and flexible approach to subjects and assessments. These changes are designed to align with the NEP 2020 and enhance the overall quality and flexibility of education for classes 11 and 12.
https://dsel.education.gov.in/sites/default/files/NCF2023.pdf