2023 was a big year for the Indian education system. Several changes and important reforms were introduced, especially in school education. From the New Education Policy to CBSE’s decision to announce board exams twice a year, 2023 saw many major decisions in the education system. As India progresses, the citizens and the government recognize the need for evolution in education.
In today’s digital world, books and offline learning have taken a backseat to online courses and digital tools. Ed-tech is among the most booming sectors in the country, and students are availing full benefits of the new and convenient ways of learning.
The government has also brought changes in the school boards and curriculum to focus on holistic learning with added emphasis on sports, practicals, application-based study, digital learning and co-curricular activities. Today, we take a look at all the top changes and reforms that created a positive shift in the Indian school education sector.
Year Ender 2023: Top News in State Education
Bengali made compulsory in West Bengal Schools
In a 2023 cabinet meeting, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee decided to make Bengali mandatory as a second language in private English medium schools. Most students have Bengali as their mother tongue and choose some other language as a second language to study. This prompted the decision to make Bengali compulsory.
Hijab in Karnataka
The hijab was banned in all schools and colleges in Karnataka in 2022 after widespread protests and clashes between students in Udupi. The decision was criticised by many politicians and the Congress party vowed to revoke the ban if it came to power. In 2023, the Congress government of Karnataka instructed the Hijab ban order to be withdrawn.
Anubhuti Curriculum in UP Schools
The Uttar Pradesh Government decided to implement the “Anubhuti Curriculum,” in over 45,000 government-run schools set to benefit over 50 lakh students of classes 6 to 8. The initiative aims to
prepare the students for successful careers as officers, leaders, doctors, and engineers and also make them responsible citizens. It’s designed to instil values that foster character development in students and enhance their contribution to the country’s development.
Veer Savarkar Biography in School Syllabus
The Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education caused a furore by deciding to include a chapter on controversial freedom fighter Veer Savarkar in its school curriculum. While announcing the decision, Madhya Pradesh School Education Minister Inder Singh Parma slammed the previous governments for failing to include “true revolutionaries of India” in the country’s school education.
CBSE allowed students to learn in 22 regional languages
The Central Board of Secondary Education took the welcome step to expand the medium of instruction in classes 1 to 12 to 22 languages. This will include several regional languages alongside English and Hindi. NCERT will also prepare books in multiple languages, and exams will be held in the chosen languages as well.
Biggest Reforms and Changes in School Education 2023
CBSE in UAE
In order to boost India-UAE ties in education and skill development India’s Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan signed an MoU with his UAE counterpart. CBSE will set up an office in UAE, while the IIT will open a campus in the country.
Two Board Exams
From 2024, the board exams will be held twice a year, and the science, commerce, and humanities streams division will be eliminated. Students will be allowed to choose any subject and attempt the exam. The best score of the two exam cycles will be considered.
23 New Sainik schools
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the setting up of 23 new Sainik Schools in partnership with NGOs/Private Schools/State Governments in a graded manner class-wise, starting from Class 6th onwards.
Coding In Schools
The New Education Policy (NEP) made coding a mandatory subject in schools from class 6 onwards. It is the need of the hour and will help students get ready for the constant innovations and booming tech sector.
Also Read:
CBSE Year-Ender: List of Noteworthy Changes Announced for Board Exam 2024
Yearender 2023: Important NEP Reforms this Year
