Many moons ago, students of Classes 9 and 10 studied only two languages and those in Classes 11 and 12 learned just one. But, change is in the wind! On a bright Wednesday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan waved his magical scroll, revealing the new National Curriculum Framework (NCF).

In the new world of school, students in Classes 9 and 10 will now learn three languages! And, here’s the cherry on top: at least two of these languages will come from our very own India! Jumping up to Classes 11 and 12, they will study two languages, and yes, one of those is Indian too!

Twice-A-Year Tests and More! The New School Guide!

• You might have heard about the big, scary Board exams. But here’s some fun news! Now, students can take this exam not once, but twice a year! Think of it as two shots at the basketball hoop, and only the best shot counts!
• Who are the masterminds behind this plan? The national steering committee! Led by none other than the former boss of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Mr. K. Kasturirangan. They followed the trail of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, like detectives following clues. Their mission? New textbooks for Classes 3 to 12! (Pssst, Classes 1 and 2 got their books already!)
• Don’t drop your pencils just yet! The number of must-study subjects has increased. For Classes 9 and 10, it’s seven now. And for the elder wizards of Classes 11 and 12, it’s six.
• Remember those candy stores where you could pick and mix? Now, subjects are like that too! They’re grouped in three parts:
  • Artsy stuff, fitness, and job-like subjects.
  • Social Science, the Humanities, and in-between areas.
  • Science, Math, and computer wizardry.
• The NCF has a dream. A dream where students can take tests as soon as they finish learning a topic, just like eating a slice of cake as soon as it’s baked! This way, they won’t have to carry a heavy sack of subjects to one single exam.
• For Classes 6 to 8, their Social Science subjects will be a mix from the four musketeers: 20% local, 30% regional, 30% national, and 20% global content.
• The ‘Secondary Stage’ got a makeover! Now, there aren’t strict lines between subjects. It’s like mixing all your favorite colors to paint a masterpiece!
• Because our Earth is feeling a bit under the weather with all the pollution and climate changes, schools will teach students more about the environment. By the end of school, they’ll be Earth-saving superheroes!
• Mr. Pradhan believes that the new textbooks for Classes 3-12 will be like a magic potion. They will connect the past, present, and the future, preparing students for the exciting world of the 21st century!
• As the school bell rings, students now step into a world full of more languages, more choices, and two chances at board exams. With the new changes, every day in school is a step towards a brighter, more colorful future!