2020 · GS Paper 2 · Q18 · 15 marks
National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement.
In short
NEP 2020 conforms closely to SDG-4 in design, restructuring schooling into 5+3+3+4 and reorienting it towards foundational learning, competencies and equity, but finance, federal friction and teacher gaps limit outcomes. ASER 2024 found only 23.4% of Class 3 government-school children could read a Class 2 text.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 312 words
Structural reset
The 5+3+3+4 design brings ages 3-6 into schooling, and NIPUN Bharat (2021) targets foundational literacy by Class 3.
Reorientation and equity
CBSE papers now carry 50% competency-based questions (PIB, 2025), while SEDG focus, a Gender Inclusion Fund and the Academic Bank of Credits serve inclusion and lifelong learning.
Finance shortfall
Public spending stays well below the 6% of GDP target; the 2026-27 Union Budget gives education Rs 1.39 lakh crore.
Federal friction
Tamil Nadu and others have resisted PM SHRI and the three-language formula.
Learning crisis
ASER 2024 found only 23.4% of Class 3 government-school children could read a Class 2 text, and over one lakh schools have a single teacher.
Digital divide
Only 72% of schools have internet (PIB, 2025), so technology-led reforms risk leaving poorer learners behind.
Fund, consult, staff
A time-bound path to 6% of GDP, state-designed versions of central schemes, filled teacher posts, and public tracking of PARAKH results.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.