NEP2020 Promoting Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Innovation in the Curriculum

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 supports design thinking by promoting critical thinking, creativity, and innovation in the curriculum. This is being implemented through vocational and elective courses in schools (grades 6-12) and by integrating it into higher education across all disciplines like science, arts, and law. The policy emphasizes moving beyond rote memorization to develop problem-solving skills through a human-centered approach, with a focus on teacher training to support this shift, as detailed in the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell documents.

Integration in schools (Grades 6-12)

• Elective subject: Design thinking and innovation are introduced as elective subjects, giving students the option to pursue them.

• Exposure program: It begins as an exposure program in grades 6, 7, and 8, with the opportunity for deeper study in grades 9 to 12.

• Teacher training: Existing teachers are trained to become "master trainers" to deliver the curriculum, even in resource-limited or remote areas.

• Focus on collaboration: The curriculum encourages group work and presentations to foster collaboration. 

Integration in higher education

• Core skill: Design thinking is considered a crucial, cross-disciplinary competency that should be core to undergraduate curricula.

• Across disciplines: The policy advocates for its integration into courses in Science, Arts, Law, and Commerce, to develop skills relevant to each field.

• Problem-solving: It helps students develop a human-centered approach to problem-solving, which is critical for innovation. 

Underlying philosophy and goals

• Competency-based learning: The policy shifts the focus from rote memorization to competency-based learning, with design thinking aligning with this goal.

• Skill development: It aims to equip students with 21st-century skills like critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

• Multidisciplinary approach: By integrating design thinking across various fields, NEP 2020 promotes a more multidisciplinary and relevant education.