The Government of India has rolled out the New Education Policy (NEP) 2025, introducing landmark changes in how students are evaluated in schools and colleges. The announcement has generated significant debate among educators, parents, and students.
The focus of this reform is to reduce academic pressure, encourage creativity, and align India’s education system with international standards. From twice-a-year board exams to a credit-based grading system, the new framework is designed to give students flexibility while preparing them for future challenges.
Why NEP 2025 Was Introduced
For years, India’s education system has been criticized for being rote-learning based, overly exam-centric, and stressful for students. Reports by UNICEF and UNESCO highlighted that Indian students spend longer study hours but often lag behind in practical knowledge and skills.
The NEP 2025 seeks to:
- Make exams less stressful
- Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving
- Improve global recognition of Indian degrees
- Provide flexibility in career choices
According to the Ministry of Education, the reforms will be rolled out in phases starting from 2025–26 academic year.
Board Exams to Be Conducted Twice a Year
One of the most significant reforms is that board exams for Classes 10 and 12 will now be held twice a year.
Students will get two attempts annually, with the better score being retained.
Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said:
“Our aim is to reduce the fear of exams and give students a chance to perform without pressure. This is a step towards stress-free learning.”
Globally, many countries including the US and UK already offer multiple exam sessions. India adopting this model could bring it on par with global practices.
New Credit-Based Grading System
The traditional marks system is being phased out in favor of a credit-based grading model.
Key Features:
- Each subject will carry credits instead of marks
- Students can accumulate credits over semesters, similar to college systems abroad
- This grading will be recognized under global credit transfer systems, making it easier for Indian students to study overseas
For example, instead of scoring 95/100 in Mathematics, a student might earn 4 credits out of 5.
This move is expected to reduce unhealthy competition among students while promoting skill-based achievements.
Practical & Skill-Based Assessments
Another highlight of NEP 2025 is the inclusion of practical, project-based, and oral assessments as part of final evaluation.
- Written exams will account for only 50-60% of total evaluation
- Remaining marks will come from projects, presentations, lab work, and group discussions
- Teachers will undergo special training programs to adapt to this new system
Education experts believe this will help students become more industry-ready and develop problem-solving abilities.
Impact on Higher Education
NEP 2025 is not limited to schools, it also impacts universities and colleges.
- Multidisciplinary Learning: Students can combine science, commerce, and arts subjects
- Multiple Entry and Exit Options: Students can pause studies and return without losing academic credits
- National Academic Bank of Credits (ABC): Digital record of all academic achievements
This flexibility is expected to reduce dropouts and give students more freedom in choosing career paths.
Challenges Ahead
While the reforms have been widely praised, some challenges remain:
- Teacher Training – Implementing new assessment methods requires proper teacher training, which may take years.
- Infrastructure Gaps – Rural schools may lack facilities for projects, labs, and skill-based training.
- Implementation Speed – Rolling out reforms across multiple state boards could lead to delays.
Some teachers’ associations have raised concerns about additional workload and the possibility of subjectivity in grading.
Global Comparison
Countries like Finland, Singapore, and Canada have already adopted flexible, skill-based education systems.
- Finland eliminated nationwide exams and focuses on project-based learning.
- Singapore combines academic knowledge with innovation labs.
- Canada uses credit-based grading widely recognized across universities.
India’s NEP 2025 brings the system closer to these international benchmarks, making Indian students more competitive globally.
Voices from Students & Parents
Reactions from students and parents have been mixed.
- Many students welcomed the idea of two board exams, saying it will reduce stress.
- Some parents expressed concerns about increased expenses due to additional exams and projects.
- Coaching institutes believe this will change the way students prepare for competitive exams.
Expert Opinion
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Education Analyst, says:
“NEP 2025 is ambitious and forward-looking. If implemented properly, it will transform India’s education system into one that values creativity and innovation over rote memorization.”
However, he also warned that execution challenges must not dilute the vision of reform.
A Step Towards Stress-Free Learning
The New Education Policy 2025 is a bold attempt to modernize India’s education system. By reducing exam stress, encouraging practical learning, and aligning with global standards, it promises a brighter future for Indian students.
But the true success will depend on implementation at the ground level. Only then can India achieve the goal of producing students who are not just academically strong but also future-ready innovators.
