The growing dependence on private coaching often creates a hurdle for students from low-income backgrounds and remote areas. It also creates a field of inequality between the aspirants belonging to underserved areas. Therefore, in order to combat such issues and create a platform for equality, Centre has set a target to support around 12.5 lakh hopeful aspirants for competitive exams by 2029.

According to a The Times of India report, this initiative was spearheaded by the Ministry of Education during a two-day consultation program on the implementation of New Education Policy 2020 on Tuesday, October 12, 2024.

Notably, the ministry will take up this initiative with several states and Union Territories and will also discuss digital learning and accreditation reforms, among others.

Further, it is also intending to discuss measures to reduce students reliance on private coachings and extend support for students preparing for competitive exams.

SATHEEE

SATHEEReducing Coaching Dependency is also a key initiative of Centres plan, which emphasizes using free digital platforms, AI-based tools, partnerships and other measures. SATHEE (Self-Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Exams) is a part of the Indian Governments efforts to reduce students reliance on private coaching for competitive exams.

Here are the Detailed Key Aspects of the SATHEE Initiative:

• Free Digital Resources: This key initiative provides free access to high-quality resources for exam preparation. It includes study materials, practice tests, and video lectures.
• AI-Based Learning Tools: This initiative also incorporates AI-based tools to personalize learning experiences and help students determine their strengths and weaknesses and tailor their study plans.
• Collaboration with Top Institutions: Under this initiative, the government plans to collaborate with prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to ensure the content is high quality and relevant to the exams.
• Democratizing Access: By making the necessary resources available online, SATHEE aims to democratize access to competitive exam preparations. This will be helpful for the students from the underserved regions.

About NEP 2020

The National Education Policy 2020 is a comprehensive framework aimed at transforming Indias education system to meet the needs of 21^st century students. It primarily focuses on various factors such as enhancing the universal access to quality education among students, promoting school education, enhancing curriculum to be more holistic, enjoyable, and integrated, a multidisciplinary approach with higher education, improving teacher training, and much more.

NEPs Vision for 2029

Additionally, the Centre has also set a goal to achieve a 90% accreditation rate for higher education institutes by 20029. This initiative is a part of the government’s broader vision under the National Education Policy 2020. The main objective of this initiative is to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of Indian institutions and place at least 10 Indian institutions among the worlds top 200 institutions.

It will also cover strategies to expand digital learning through various governmental sites such as SWAYAM, DIKSHA etc.