In the 1990s, Indian schooling was rigid and stressful. Physical punishments, judgmental teachers, and relentless pressure to score high were common. Students were pushed into narrow boxes—science and mathematics for the “bright,” arts for the “failures.”

The system revolved around memorization, not understanding. Many children were left behind, unable to truly connect with their studies.

Fast forward to today—the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) has redefined learning. It encourages skill-based education, creativity, and holistic growth. Students now have greater flexibility and opportunities to learn in ways that matter. But how can this ambitious vision be implemented effectively? The answer lies in Instructional Design (ID).

What is Instructional Design?

Instructional Design is the systematic process of designing effective learning experiences. It draws on psychology, pedagogy, and cognitive science to make lessons engaging, practical, and easy to understand.

Key Features of Instructional Design

• Structured approach – Models like ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation).

• Learner-focused – Tailored to students’ needs and prior knowledge.

• Evidence-based – Grounded in proven learning theories.

• Feedback-driven – Continuously improved through learner input.

In simple terms, ID ensures students understand, retain, and apply knowledge—instead of memorizing for exams.

How NEP 2020 and Instructional Design Align

The NEP 2020 calls for an education system that is skill-driven, inclusive, and multidisciplinary. Instructional Design provides the framework to make this vision practical.

Examples of Alignment

• Skills over Marks: Employers value real abilities, not just percentages. ID integrates project-based learning to
  build practical skills.

• Vocational Training: Through simulations, projects, and presentations, ID ensures students learn by doing.

• Interdisciplinary Education: Rigid subject boundaries are broken—students can mix sciences, arts, and
  vocational studies. ID structures these combinations effectively.

• Holistic Growth: ID uses multi-sensory and activity-based learning to engage creativity and critical thinking.

Together, NEP and ID make learning relevant and future-ready.

Today’s Learners: Opportunities and Challenges

Today’s children are digital natives. With access to social media and global content, they are more informed than ever. But this comes with challenges:

• Shorter attention spans due to constant scrolling.

• Emotional vulnerabilities from online pressure.

• Information overload without proper guidance.

Instructional Design addresses these challenges by introducing interactive modules, gamified learning, and micro-lessons that match their pace while keeping them focused.

Building Emotional Intelligence through ID

The modern world is shaped by climate change, technological disruption, and political shifts. Education must prepare students not just academically but also emotionally.

Instructional Design fosters:

• Collaboration through group projects.

• Resilience with real-life scenario-based learning.

• Counselling-friendly spaces for guidance and reflection.

Institutions like Chaperone Academy from Chaperone Learning Solutions are already offering affordable online ID courses, making these tools accessible across India.

Urban and rural applications of Instructional Design

Instructional Design has transformative potential in both urban and rural contexts.

• Urban India: ID supports tech-enabled classrooms and future-ready skill development.

• Rural India: With regional adaptations, ID can unlock the potential of dedicated rural learners, especially in
  science and technology.

For NEP 2020 to succeed, ID must reach every corner of India, ensuring inclusive and equitable learning.

Our responsibility towards the next generation

Education is about more than academics—it is about nurturing dreams, values, and aspirations. Instructional Design provides the tools to:

• Deliver world-class education while respecting India’s culture.

• Create equal opportunities for all children, regardless of background.

• Build curious, confident, and creative citizens ready for tomorrow.

When NEP 2020 and Instructional Design work together, India can raise a generation that is both skilled and emotionally resilient.

Conclusion: Instructional Design + NEP = A Brilliant Tomorrow

The National Education Policy 2020 sets the vision, and Instructional Design offers the roadmap to achieve it. Together, they can transform India’s education system into one that is practical, inclusive, and globally relevant.

If fully implemented, this synergy can empower students, strengthen communities, and prepare India for a brighter, more innovative future.

Instructional Design and NEP 2020 aren’t just reforms—they are the building blocks of India’s tomorrow.