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National Curriculum Framework

for School Education 2023

(NCF-SE 2023)

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The pre-draft of the NCF-SE- placed for public comment on 6 April 2023.
Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Chairman, National Steering Committee for National Curriculum Frameworks.
NCF-SE-2023 submitted to Education Minister, GOI on 29^th July 2023.
NCF-SE was released on 23^rd August 2023.
NCF-FS- 2022 ( for ages between 3- 8) released on 10^th October 2022.
NCF-FS 2022 is Integrated in NCF-SE 2023.

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Salient Features of NEP 2020	For School Education
5+3+3+4 schooling design as against the current 10+2 system. The Policy has laid significant emphasis on ECCE. Achieving Foundational Literacy and Numeracy. Emphasis on Curricular Aims. Learning to happen through constructivism Multidisciplinary, Holistic, and Integrated Education. Reduced Curriculum Content. Promoting multilingualism and Indian languages.	Flexibility and Choice of Subjects at the Secondary Stage. Integrating Vocational Education. The medium of instruction until Grade 5 in mother tongues, A deep-rooted pride in being Indian, among students. School Accreditation. Assessment reform with 360-degree Holistic Progress Card, 13. Modular Board Examinations.

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Previous NCFs Prior to NCF-SE 2023

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Curriculum Guidelines

The purpose of this NCF-SE is to effect positive transformations in India’s school curricula.
The world is undergoing, rapid changes in the knowledge landscape.
Workforce, with deep human capacities, and multidisciplinary capacities.
The Curricula must be responsive, to the glorious unity in diversity, of India.
‘Curriculum’ refers to the overall goals, plans, practices, etc.
Stresses on holistic and integrated changes.
Term ‘Curricular Area’ is used as a broader category.

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This NCF uses ‘Curricular Area’ as a broader category, to distinguish it from ‘discipline,’ ‘field,’ and ‘subject’:

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	Languages
	The three languages in the school curriculum are denoted as R1, R2, and R3 in this NCF.
R1	This is the Language in which literacy first learnt in school. (Mother tongue or the State language).
R2	Any Language other than R1.
R3	Any language other than R1 and R2.
	At least two of these three languages — R1, R2, and R3 — must be native to India.

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Curricular Aims, Goals, Competencies, and Learning Outcomes

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Learning Standards for Four Stages of Schooling -5+3+3+4

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	Foundation Stage: 3 – 8 Years
A	Domains
1	Physical Development
2	Socio-emotional and Ethical Development
3	Cognitive Development,
4	Aesthetic and Cultural Development
5	Language and Literacy Development.
6	In addition -Learning Standards for developing Positive Learning
B. 1	Foundational Literacy and Numeracy.
2	Foundational Literacy in R1
3	2 languages (R1 and R2)
4	TLM (Teaching Learning Materials)/Textbooks
5	Play based Pedagogy
6	Assessment.
7	Holistic Progress Card

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	Preparatory Stage - 8- 11 years
1	2 Languages- R1 & R2
2	Mathematics Education
3	Art Education,
4	Physical Education, and
5	The World Around Us (as an interdisciplinary area of study).
6	Work and pre-vocational skills are included as part of The World Around Us curriculum.
7	Assessments: Short Formal Written Assessments, Teacher’s Observation of Students work, Regular Formative Assessments,

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	Middle Stage - 11- 14 years
1	3 languages denoted R1, R2, and R3.
2	Mathematics Education
3	Science Education,
4	Social Science Education
5	Art Education,
6	Interdisciplinary Areas
7	Physical Education & Wellbeing
8	Vocational Education.
9	Assessment

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Secondary : Phase 1: Grades 9 & 10

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Phase 2 — Grades 11 and 12:

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Subject Combinations

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Implications for Schools and Boards of Examinations:

10 Curricular Areas for Grade 10 right from the beginning of the implementation of this NCF. 2 languages for Grades 11-12 from the beginning of the implementation of this NCF.
All Board examinations must move towards becoming ‘easier’ without any compromise on assessing genuine learning.
Schools should be prepared to offer subjects from at least two groups amongst Groups 2, 3, and 4 immediately. Within 5 years, schools should be ready to offer subjects from all four Groups.
Within 10 years, schools should offer many more subjects covering all Curricular Areas, and students should study subjects across all four Groups.
The Secondary Stage has been divided into two Phases — Grades 9 and 10, and Grades 11 and 12.
In 10 years, a single Secondary Stage, where students have choice and flexibility right from Grade 9,
Study in annual and two-year patterns should move to a semester and/or annual design.
In ten years, Boards of Examination should be prepared to offer certification through modular examinations.