Education is fundamental for achieving full human potential, developing an equitable and just
society, and promoting national development. Providing universal access to quality education is the
key to India’s continued ascent, and leadership on the global stage in terms of economic growth,
social justice and equality, scientific advancement, national integration, and cultural preservation.
Universal high‐quality education is the best way forward for developing and maximizing our
country's rich talents and resources for the good of the individual, the society, the country, and the
world. India will have the highest population of young people in the world over the next decade, and
our ability to provide high‐quality educational opportunities to them will determine the future of
our country.
Education Policy lays particular emphasis on the development of the creative potential of each
individual. It is based on the principle that education must develop not only cognitive capacities ‐
both the ‘foundational capacities ’of literacy and numeracy and ‘higher‐order’ cognitive capacities,
such as critical thinking and problem solving – but also social, ethical, and emotional capacities and
dispositions. The rich heritage of ancient and eternal Indian knowledge and thought has been a
guiding light for this Policy. The pursuit of knowledge (Jnan), wisdom (Pragyaa), and truth (Satya)
was always considered in Indian thought and philosophy as the highest human goal. The aim of
education in ancient India was not just the acquisition of knowledge as preparation for life in this
world, or life beyond schooling, but for the complete realization and liberation of the self.
The new education policy must provide to all students, irrespective of their place of residence, a
quality education system, with particular focus on historically marginalized, disadvantaged, and
underrepresented groups. Education is a great leveler and is the best tool for achieving economic
and social mobility, inclusion, and equality. Initiatives must be in place to ensure that all students
from such groups, despite inherent obstacles, are provided various targeted opportunities to
enter and excel in the educational system.