CBSE’s NEP-Aligned Curriculum Shift Gains Ground, but Implementation Gaps Persist: School Principal

With the Central Board of Secondary Education rolling out a revised curriculum aligned with National Education Policy 2020, affecting students from Classes 7 to 9 and set to reshape learning outcomes for Class 10 board aspirants in the coming years, schools across the country are preparing for a major academic transition. The new framework emphasises competency-based learning, integration of skill subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, and a shift toward analytical, application-oriented assessments—marking a departure from traditional rote-based education.

In an interview with Edinbox, Ravi Prakash Keshari, Principal of RM Children Academy, Bulanala, Varanasi, said his institution is ready to adopt the revised curriculum for Classes IX and X. “The new curriculum focuses on competency-based education rather than rote learning. It incorporates practical projects, skill-based subjects like AI and coding, and analytical assessment patterns designed to prepare students for real-world challenges,” he said. According to him, the approach will help students develop deeper conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills.

He stressed that an integrated academic approach will be essential to make the transition effective. “Balancing subject depth, flexibility, preparation for competitive exams, and career readiness is crucial under the revised system. The curriculum makes the educational journey more flexible, allowing students to align their learning with future goals,” Keshari noted.

However, he pointed out that implementation remains a significant challenge. One of the key concerns is the lack of adequate teacher training. “Teachers need practical exposure and continuous upskilling to effectively deliver this new model of education,” he said. Infrastructure constraints also pose difficulties, particularly in adopting technology-driven learning. “Not all schools have access to smart classrooms, digital tools, or stable internet connectivity, which are essential for this curriculum,” he added.

Time constraints further complicate the transition. Keshari observed that schools are under pressure to adapt quickly while also catering to students with diverse learning needs. “There is limited time and resources to implement personalised learning effectively. This remains one of the biggest challenges,” he said.

Reflecting on broader implementation, Keshari said that while National Education Policy 2020 is progressive, its execution varies across regions. “India is vast and diverse, with differences in language, culture, and digital access. These factors make uniform implementation difficult,” he explained.

Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about the future of educational reforms. “India is moving in the right direction in education. With time and proper support, we hope to see positive outcomes from these changes,” Keshari said.