Here’s a tabular analysis of NEP (National Education Policy 2020/2025 updates) showing its key reforms, impact, and challenges across different levels of education:

NEP Tabular Analysis

Area	Previous System	NEP Reforms	Expected Impact	Challenges
School Structure	10+2 model	5+3+3+4 model (Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, Secondary)	Stronger early learning, flexible pathways, holistic growth	Curriculum alignment across states, teacher training
Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)	Limited to anganwadis/play schools	Formal ECCE integrated (Ages 3–8), focus on foundational literacy & numeracy	Cognitive development, reduced dropouts	Infrastructure, quality of ECCE teachers
Medium of Instruction	Mostly English/Hindi	Mother tongue/regional language till Grade 5, multilingual approach	Better conceptual clarity, inclusion	Resource creation in multiple languages, teacher capacity
Curriculum & Pedagogy	Rote-learning, exam-centric	Competency-based, experiential, vocational exposure from Grade 6	Critical thinking, creativity, real-world readiness	Shifting teaching culture, assessment reforms
Assessments	Annual board exams (Class 10, 12)	Formative assessments, Board exams twice a year, subject modularity	Reduced exam stress, continuous evaluation	Implementation across boards, fairness in exams
Higher Education Structure	Rigid 3-year UG, 2-year PG	Multidisciplinary 4-year UG with multiple entry-exit and 1-year PG	Flexibility, global recognition, lifelong learning	Academic restructuring, credit transfer logistics
Vocational & Skill Education	Limited to ITIs and vocational schools	Mandatory internships, coding, AI, entrepreneurship in schools & colleges	Industry-ready graduates, reduced unemployability	Industry-academia linkage, funding
Teacher Training	B.Ed + traditional methods	National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST), 4-year integrated B.Ed	Better teacher quality, modern pedagogy	Reskilling existing teachers, institutional readiness
Technology & Digital Push	Limited e-learning platforms	National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), digital repositories, hybrid learning	Wider access, future-ready learning	Digital divide, infrastructure in rural areas
Research & Innovation	Limited scope, fragmented institutions	National Research Foundation (NRF), more autonomy to HEIs	Boost in R&D, global competitiveness	Funding, monitoring outcomes
Governance	Multiple regulators (UGC, AICTE, NCTE)	Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) – single regulator	Simplified governance, less overlap	Transition phase, resistance from institutions
Lifelong Learning	Restricted to formal age groups	Competence Enhancement Scheme (DU model), open to all ages	Inclusivity, reskilling workforce	Awareness, quality control
Globalisation	Limited foreign collaborations	Top 100 global universities can set up campuses in India	International exposure, knowledge exchange	Regulatory clarity, affordability

👉 This table captures the before vs after of NEP, highlighting reforms, outcomes, and bottlenecks.