1. Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER)
Definition: GER represents the percentage of students enrolled in higher education out of the total eligible population in a given age group. It is calculated using the formula:
NEP Recommendation: The policy has set an ambitious target of achieving a 50% GER by 2030. To put this in perspective, the current GER stands at around 27%. This implies that NEP aims to nearly double the number of students in higher education within a decade.
2. Infrastructure and Access
Multidisciplinary College: NEP emphasizes the establishment of at least one multidisciplinary college in every district by 2030. The intent behind this is to make quality higher education accessible to all, regardless of their geographical location.
3. Flexibility in Education
Multiple Entry and Exit System: One of the significant changes proposed is the flexibility for students to enter and exit their educational programs. This means that students can leave their course after a certain period and return to continue it without starting from scratch.
Academic Bank of Credit: This is a digital platform designed to store academic credits earned by a student. If a student decides to exit a program early, the credits earned can be stored in this bank. Later, if the student wishes to return, they can use these credits without having to redo courses.
4. Digital Education
Rationale: Utilizing technology can significantly improve the quality and accessibility of education. Digital platforms can bridge gaps, especially for those in remote areas or those who cannot access conventional education methods.
Swayam: A platform that provides Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for a wide variety of subjects. It is an initiative to democratize education, allowing students from all backgrounds to access quality content.
DIKSHA: Primarily targeted for teachers, DIKSHA is a platform for teacher training and resources. It's designed to enhance the capabilities of teachers, ensuring better quality education for students.
5. Regulation in Higher Education
Higher Education Commission of India (HECI): NEP proposes the establishment of HECI as an umbrella regulatory body. This commission will oversee almost all aspects of higher education, excluding medical and legal education. Consolidating regulatory functions under one body aims to streamline processes and improve the quality of higher education.