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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY201875 Marks
Q13.

Make a Précis of the following passage in about one-third of its length. Do not give a title to it. The Précis should be written in your own words:

How to Approach

This question requires a concise summary of the provided passage, reducing it to approximately one-third of its original length. The précis must capture the main ideas and arguments of the passage in the aspirant’s own words, avoiding direct lifting of phrases. Focus on identifying the central theme (challenges and reforms in Indian education), key arguments (access, equity, quality, NEP 2020), and supporting details. Maintain a neutral tone and objective representation of the passage’s content.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The Indian education system, inherited from colonial times, has seen considerable evolution post-independence, yet continues to face substantial hurdles in achieving universal access, equity, and quality. Despite increased enrollment, particularly at the primary level, significant disparities persist. Recent policy initiatives, notably the Right to Education Act (2009) and the New Education Policy (2020), aim to address these challenges, but their effective implementation remains a complex undertaking requiring sustained effort and investment.

The passage highlights the enduring challenges within the Indian education system, stemming from its historical foundations. While enrollment figures have improved, inequalities based on socio-economic status, gender, and location remain prominent.

Key Challenges

  • Access & Equity: Disparities in access to quality education continue to plague the system, particularly for marginalized communities.
  • Quality Concerns: The curriculum often emphasizes rote learning over critical thinking and practical skills development.
  • Implementation Gaps: Legislation like the Right to Education Act (2009) faces implementation challenges due to infrastructural deficits and teacher shortages.
  • Digital Divide: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the digital divide, hindering equitable access to online learning.

The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020

The NEP 2020 proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the education system, shifting towards a more holistic, multidisciplinary, and learner-centric approach. Key features include:

  • Emphasis on holistic development and skill-building.
  • Promotion of multidisciplinary learning.
  • Integration of vocational training.
  • Increased flexibility in curriculum design.

Implementation Requirements

Successful implementation of NEP 2020 necessitates:

  • Substantial financial investment.
  • Effective teacher training programs.
  • Collaborative efforts involving government, educators, parents, and the community.

Challenges to Implementation

Despite its potential, the NEP 2020 faces challenges related to funding, infrastructure, and the need for systemic changes within the education bureaucracy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Indian education system is at a critical juncture, grappling with historical legacies and emerging challenges. While the NEP 2020 offers a promising framework for reform, its success hinges on overcoming implementation hurdles and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all. A sustained, collaborative, and well-funded approach is essential to unlock the potential of India’s demographic dividend and build a future-ready workforce.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Rote Learning
A method of learning that involves memorizing information without understanding its meaning or application.
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER)
A statistical measure of the enrollment of students in schools, expressed as a percentage of the eligible school-age population.

Key Statistics

As of 2021-22, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education in India was 27.3%, indicating that only 27.3% of the eligible population is enrolled in higher education.

Source: All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), 2021-22

According to the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) 2020-21, the dropout rate at the secondary level in India was 19.26%.

Source: UDISE 2020-21

Examples

Kerala’s Education Model

Kerala has consistently achieved high literacy rates and educational outcomes through a focus on public education, teacher training, and community involvement. This model demonstrates the potential of prioritizing equitable access and quality in education.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the significance of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020?

The NEP 2020 aims to transform the Indian education system by making it more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, and aligned with the needs of the 21st century. It seeks to address long-standing issues of access, equity, and quality.

Topics Covered

General StudiesLanguage SkillsWriting SkillsReading ComprehensionSummary Writing
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