Reskilling and Upskilling - Preparing for Education 5.0, NS Kalsi Ex-IAS

While addressing the audience, Kalsi emphasized the critical need for reskilling and upskilling the youth to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. He also highlighted that the educational ecosystem has expanded significantly, encompassing a broader array of stakeholders in education, skilling, and employment. The shift towards Education 4.0 signifies a focus on innovation and skill-based learning, paving the way for Education 5.0.

The New Education Policy and National Credit Framework

Kalsi discussed the implementation of the new National Education Policy (NEP), introduced on July 29, 2020. Over the past four years, this policy has brought significant changes to the educational architecture in India. A notable development is the National Credit Framework (NCF), collaboratively developed by various educational regulators, including the University Grants Commission (UGC) for higher education, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for technical education, and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for school education.

The NCF is built on three qualification frameworks: the National Higher Education Qualification Framework, the National Skill Qualification Framework, and the National Study Development Framework. This integration allows students to earn degrees by combining credits from academics, skilling, and experiential learning. This flexibility ensures that internships, apprenticeships, and work experience are recognized and counted towards degree requirements.

Integrating Skills and Education

Kalsi emphasized that the new educational architecture removes the traditional separation between education and skills. Students can now combine subjects from various disciplines, such as integrating psychology with electrical engineering. The system promotes equivalence and mobility between general and vocational education, offering multiple entry and exit options.

Technological skills, emergent technologies, and future skills are integral to this framework. Blended learning and the recognition of prior learning are key components. Lifelong learning is supported, and internationalization ensures that Indian education meets global standards.

The Three Dimensions of Access

The framework provides three dimensions of access: academic, skill, and experiential learning. Academic access covers levels 1 to 4 for school education and levels 4.5 to 8 for higher education. Skill access spans levels 1 to 8. For example, entry at level 4.5 requires either a degree or a diploma with relevant experience. This system allows for the integration of 50% credits from academics and 50% from skills, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive education.

Standardizing and Streamlining Education

The system ensures that education, skilling, and experiential learning are streamlined and standardized. The credit system has been established, and guidelines for deployment, accumulation, storage, reduction, and transfer have been notified. Activities such as sports, arts, social work, and community service can be quantified and credited. Learning outcomes are defined and mapped to specific qualifications, with appropriate credit levels assigned.

Integrating Qualifications and Future Skills

The framework includes a wide range of qualifications, from foundational to doctoral levels, available in the public domain. These qualifications can be integrated into higher education courses, ensuring relevance and adaptability. National application standards and various credential types, such as micro-credentials and nano-credentials, are available for a range of skill-based and vocational qualifications. Private and public institutions, including multinational corporations like Microsoft and IBM, can offer these qualifications.

Emphasizing Future Skills and Technologies

Kalsi highlighted the importance of future skills and technologies, including AI, data science, 5G, and 6G. Cross-sectoral skill and capacity building are essential to prepare for emerging technological advancements. The integration of technologies such as robotics, machine learning, and the Internet of Things in agriculture was cited as an example of how technological integration can revolutionize traditional sectors.

Education 5.0: The Path Forward

Looking ahead to Education 5.0, Kalsi emphasized the need for futuristic classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and home learning environments. The shift towards blended learning and the virtualization of education will play a crucial role. Education 5.0 will focus on a learner-centered approach, lifelong learning, interdisciplinary and collaborative learning, and the integration of technology education. Preparing for this future requires readiness and adaptation from all stakeholders.

Conclusion

Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi outlined a comprehensive vision for the future of education in India. The emphasis on reskilling, upskilling, and integrating skills with traditional education aims to create a holistic and adaptable educational system. The transition to Education 5.0 will require concerted efforts to embrace technological advancements and innovative learning approaches.

Authored by Bharti Trehan