Evolution of Education Policies in British to Modern India (1813-2035)

Prepared by: Subrat jena (Research scholar)

Year/Period Event Key Concepts & Details

- First official intervention in Indian education. - Initiated

by Charles Grant & William Wilberforce. - Introduced ₹1
Charter Act – lakh grant for education but with limited implementation.
1813
1813 - Aimed to spread Western scientific knowledge &
Christianity. - Marked the beginning of state
responsibility in education.

- Proposed district-level educational administration. -

Elphinstone Recommended establishing schools & colleges in Bombay
1823
Report Presidency. - Led to the foundation of Elphinstone College
(1835) in Bombay.

- Education dominated by Orientalists (supporters of

Sanskrit & Persian learning). - Debates intensified over
Educational
1833 whether education should be in English or classical Indian
Policy Shift
languages. - Marked the beginning of discursive
education policies in India.

- Lord Macaulay's famous document favouring English

education. - Argued that English is superior to native
languages for education. - Advocated for Western science
Macaulay’s & literature over traditional Indian learning. -
1835
Minutes Introduced the "Downward Filtration Theory"—
education for elites, who would then educate the masses. -
English became the official court language. Spend 10
Lakh for annum education.

- Issued by Lord Dalhousie to shape modern education. -

Stressed higher education, teacher training & vernacular
Wood’s Dispatch
education. - Proposed university framework similar to the
("Magna Carta of
1854 British model. - Promoted women’s education for the first
English
time. - 1857: Three universities established—Bombay,
Education")
Madras, and Calcutta. - Introduced the Grant-in-Aid
system for private institutions.

- Led by Sir William Hunter to review primary &

secondary education. - Recommended expansion of
Hunter primary education for the masses. - Suggested financial
1882-1883
Commission aid & teacher training reforms. - Criticized previous
policies for neglecting mass education. evaluate woods
despatch report. First Indian education commission.
Year/Period Event Key Concepts & Details

- Marked the beginning of centralized educational

Lord Curzon’s
reforms. - Focused on university education and
1901 Educational
regulatory measures. - Aimed to control the increasing
Reforms
nationalist influence in education.

- Established under Lord Curzon to reform universities. -

Indian University Recommended improving quality control & governance
1902
Commission in universities. - Laid the foundation for the Indian
Universities Act (1904).

Year/Period Event Key Concepts & Details

- Aimed at improving the condition & prospects of

universities in India. - Introduced greater government
Indian University
1904 control over universities. - Strengthened university
Act
administration & introduced new regulations for
affiliation.

- Established in response to British education policies. -

National Council Jadavpur University was a result of this movement. - Led
1905
of Education by Dawn Society (Satish Mukherjee), promoting
nationalist education.

- Chaired by Michael Sadler. - Reviewed Calcutta

Sadler University’s education system. - Found 10+2+3 system to
Commission be more effective. - Recommended improving higher
1917 (Calcutta education and introducing Honors & Pre-university
University courses. The commission started its work in 1917 and
Commission) submitted its report in 1919.Intermediate
Education(degree), vice -chancellor Leeds university.

- Set up based on Calcutta University Commission

Central Advisory
recommendations. - GDI Act (1919) made education a
Board of
1920 provincial subject. - Abolished in 1923 due to financial
Education
crises but later revived. - Major recommendations:
(CABE)
Creation of a Department of Education.

- Focused on improving quality in university education.

- Recommended standardization of primary education.
Hartog
1929 Addressed wastage & stagnation in primary schooling. An
Committee
auxiliary committee of the Indian statutory commission
known as Hartog committee.
Year/Period Event Key Concepts & Details

Government of
- Transferred education to provincial governments. -
1935 India Act (GOI
Gave more autonomy to Indian educational institutions.
Act, 1935)

- Blueprint for post-war educational reforms. - Proposed

Sargent Report
setting up three central universities (Aligarh, Banaras,
(Post-war
1944 Delhi). - Aimed at universal education and recommended
Education
a national system of education. - Set foundation for later
Development)
educational policies in independent India.

CABE Timeline

Year Event

1920 CABE set up

1923 Abolished

1935 Revived

1944 Strengthened

2004 CABE committee re-established (September)

Key Concepts Added:

Downward Filtration Theory (Macaulay) – Education for elites to trickle down to the
masses.
Grant-in-Aid System – Financial assistance to private institutions.
Magna Carta of Indian Education – Title given to Wood’s Dispatch (1854).
Nationalist Influence on Education – Curzon’s reforms aimed to curb anti-British
sentiments in education.

Nationalist Education Movement – Led by Dawn Society & Jadavpur University

(1905).
10+2+3 System – First recommended by the Sadler Commission (1917).
Provincial Autonomy in Education – Started with GOI Act, 1919, expanded in GOI Act,
1935.
Universal Education – First proposed in the Sargent Report (1944

Sargent Report (1944) – First proposal for universal education & vocational training.
Social & Moral Education Committee (1954) – Introduced moral & ethics-based
education.
 Streaming System (1952-53) – First structured division of Science, Commerce & Arts
in schools.
National Assessment (NCERT, 1961) – First centralized education assessment system.
Vocational & Technical Training (AICTE, 1945) – First initiative to regulate
engineering & management education.
Teacher Education Reforms – Strengthened training, quality regulations (Justice Verma,
NCTE).
Vocational and Skill-Based Learning – RMSA, SSA, and NEP 2020 encouraged practical
learning.
Higher Education Modernization – RUSA and NEP focused on university autonomy and
research.
Regulatory Framework Reforms – Subramanian Report laid groundwork for policy
restructuring.

From Behaviourist to Constructivist Education: Shift in pedagogical approaches.

Digital & Distance Learning: Expansion of open universities and e-learning.
Regulatory Reforms: Continuous restructuring of higher education bodies.
Vocational Integration: Bridging the gap between education and employability.
Equity & Inclusion: Ensuring education for all with RTE and SSA

Year/Period Event Key Concepts & Details

- Investigated causes of unemployment among educated

Sapru Committee youth. - Highlighted mismatch between degrees & job
1934
(Uttar Pradesh) market requirements. - Recommended practical and
vocational education.

Abbott-Wood - Focused on University Education. - Recommended

1937
Report English as the medium of instruction at higher levels.

- Also known as Nai Talim, Basic Education, Buni Yadi

Talim. - Introduced by Mahatma Gandhi, later
Wardha Scheme of formalized by Dr. Zakir Husain. - Craft-based
1937
Education education (learning by doing). - Advocated free &
compulsory education for 7-14 years. - Criticized for
lack of implementation and funding.

- Recommended universal, compulsory primary

education. - Proposed technical and vocational training
1944 Sargent Report
at secondary levels. - Set the foundation for post-
independence education planning.

1945 AICTE (All India - Established to regulate technical education in India. -

Council for Ensured quality control in engineering & management
Year/Period Event Key Concepts & Details

Technical education. - Standardized technical curriculum &

Education) teacher training.

- Chaired by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. - First post-

University independence review of higher education. -
1948-1949 Education Recommended autonomy for universities. - Stressed on
Commission research, teacher training & rural universities. - Laid
the foundation for modern higher education policies.

- Chaired by Dr. A. Lakshmana swami Mudaliar. -

Secondary Focused on school education reform. - Recommended 3-
Education year secondary + 4-year higher education model. -
1952-1953 Commission Advocated multipurpose schools & vocational
(Mudaliar education. - Emphasized development of democratic
Commission) citizenship. - Introduced streaming system in schools
(science, commerce, arts).

Social & Moral - Recommended moral education in schools. -

1954 Education Introduced values-based education system. - Proposed
Committee ethics & civic responsibility training.

NCERT (National
- Established to standardize school education. - Focused
Council of
on curriculum, textbooks, and teacher training. -
1961 Educational
Conducted educational research & national assessment
Research and
surveys.
Training)

Committee on - Chaired by Dr. Sampurnanand. - Promoted national

1963 Emotional unity & cultural awareness. - Introduced Indian
Integration cultural values in school education.

- Chaired by Dr. D. S. Kothari. - Submitted report on 14

July 1966. - Introduced the "Neighbourhood School"
concept. - Linked education with national
development. - Recommended the Common School
Kothari System. - Introduced 10+2+3 education structure. - 4
1964-1966
Commission Main Themes: (1) Productivity, (2) Social & National
Integration, (3) Education & Modernization, (4)
Social, Moral, and Spiritual Values. - Stressed scientific
and technological advancements in education. - Led to
major reforms in India's education policy post-1966.
Aspect Key Details New Concepts & Changes

Established in 1973, became

NCTE (National Council
statutory under the 1993 Act, No major recent changes
for Teacher Education)
fully operational in 1995

NCFE 2021 (National

Launched by NCTE to improve Focus on teacher training &
Curriculum Framework
teacher education competency-based education
for Educator Education)

- Vocational education from

Class 6
Replaced 10+2 system with
NEP 2020 (National - Multidisciplinary education
5+3+3+4, covering school,
Education Policy 2020) - Mother tongue as
teacher, and higher education
instruction medium till
Grade 5

- 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio

(GER) in school education by - Digital education expansion
Education Targets 2030 - Academic Bank of Credits
- 50% GER in higher (ABC) for flexible learning
education by 2035

- Strengthening industry-
- Integration of vocational
academia collaboration
Skill Development & education
- National Skills
Employability - Focus on internships &
Qualifications Framework
apprenticeships
(NSQF) alignment

- Establishment of
Multidisciplinary Education - Higher Education
Higher Education
and Research Universities Commission of India (HECI)
Reforms
(MERUs) to replace UGC & AICTE
- Phasing out M.Phil. programs
Year Key Recommendations/Events Related to Education & Vocational Training

University Education Commission - Emphasized education as a continuous process,

1948 covering both craft & trade. - Recommended technical and vocational education to
support industrial growth.

Secondary Education Commission (Mudaliar Commission) - Introduced diversified

1952 curriculum, including vocational education. - Suggested multipurpose schools to
promote vocational training.

Kothari Commission - Recommended a 10+2+3 education structure, integrating

1964-
vocational education. - Emphasized the need for skill-based education for
66
employment.

42nd Constitutional Amendment - Education moved from the State List to the
1976 Concurrent List, making it a shared responsibility of both the Centre and the States.
Article 21(A) , Education as fundamental rights.

National Policy on Education (NPE) 1986 - Introduced measures for vocationalization

of education, skill development, and employment-oriented training. - Proposed
1986
strengthening vocational courses at the secondary level. - Emphasized work-experience
programs and linkages with industries.

- Recommended allocating 6% of GDP to education. - Focused on vocational education at

secondary & higher secondary levels. - Comprehensive education reform with a focus on
rural and industrial development. - Adapted Mahatma Gandhi’s Nai Talim (learning
through productive work).

Revised NPE 1986 - Strengthened vocational education policies & skill-based

1992 programs. - Expanded vocational training through public-private partnerships (PPP).
- Encouraged institutions to offer flexible learning pathways.

Right to Education (RTE) Act - Ensured free and compulsory education for children
2009 aged 6-14. - Indirectly influenced vocational education by promoting foundational
literacy and numeracy.

Skill India Mission - Launched to enhance skill development and vocational training.
2015
- Focused on bridging the gap between industry demand and skilled workforce.

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 - Introduced vocational education from Class
6 onwards through internships. - Emphasized multidisciplinary education, credit-
2020 based learning, and integration of skill development with mainstream education. -
Promoted National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) for standardizing skill-
based education.
Year Key Recommendations/Events Related to Education & Vocational Training

Operation Blackboard Scheme - Aimed at improving primary education facilities. -

Focused on providing basic educational infrastructure, including teachers, classrooms,
1987
and teaching materials. - Ensured at least two teachers and essential resources in every
primary school.

District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) established - Strengthened

teacher education and vocational training at the grassroots level. - Focused on training
1988 teachers, improving curriculum, and enhancing the quality of rural education. - Worked
on district-level rural programs to uplift education. - Promoted teacher training in
vocational and skill-based education.

Revised NPE 1986 - Strengthened the policies for vocational education and skill
development. - Promoted flexible learning pathways and industry linkages. -
1992 Encouraged participation from private institutions in vocational education. - Stressed on
integrating science, technology, and vocational education for employment-oriented
learning.

Introduction of Modern Communication and Information Technology in

Education - Focused on distance learning and enhanced accessibility. - Promoted
educational communication networks for wider reach. - Led to the development of
IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) and open schooling systems.

District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) - Launched to universalize primary

education and improve educational infrastructure. - Focused on decentralized
1994
planning, teacher training, and community participation. - Aimed to reduce dropout
rates and enhance foundational education.

Mid-Day Meal Scheme - Introduced to improve student enrolment, attendance, and

retention. - Aimed at enhancing the nutritional status of children, indirectly
1995
improving their learning outcomes. - Became one of the largest school feeding programs
in the world.
Year Key Events, Policies, and Reforms

National Curriculum Framework (NCF) introduced - Laid the foundation for

1975 structured curriculum reforms. - Phases: 1975 (Behaviourist), 1988, 2000, 2005
(Constructivist). - Shift from rote learning to conceptual understanding.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University established - Contributed to higher education and

1982
vocational studies.

Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) formed - Strengthened

1985 policy-making for education. - IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University)
established for distance learning and vocational training.

Yashpal Committee on Higher Education - Recommended reforms in university

1993 education and regulatory bodies. - Criticized excessive bureaucratic control over
education. Learning without Burden ( school Education)

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) launched - Aimed for universal elementary

2000-
education. - Introduced measures for inclusive education and vocational exposure.
2001
- Promoted school choice and flexible learning.

National Knowledge Commission (NKC) formed - Led by Sam Pitroda, consisting

2005 of 14 members. - Suggested reforms in higher education, research, and skill
development. - Advocated for innovation-driven vocational training.

Right to Education (RTE) Act passed - Implemented as part of the 86th

Constitutional Amendment. - Ensured free and compulsory education for 6-14
2009
years. - Became a fundamental right under Article 21-A. - Came into effect in 2010,
fully implemented by 2019.

Yashpal Committee Report on Higher Education - Recommended revamping of

university structure. - Proposed Central Higher Education Regulatory Authority
2009
(CHER). - Focused on autonomy, restructuring, and quality enhancement.
"Renovation and Rejuvenation of Higher Education"

National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) introduced - Created

2013 structured vocational training pathways. - Integrated general education with skill
development.

Skill India Mission launched - Aimed to train 400 million youth by 2022. -
2015
Promoted apprenticeship training and entrepreneurship.

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 approved - Introduced vocational

education from Class 6 onwards. - Focused on experiential learning and
2020
multidisciplinary studies. - Encouraged industry partnerships for employability
skills.
Year Key Policies, Committees, and Reforms

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) - Focused on universal

2009 access to secondary education. - Improved infrastructure and quality in
government schools.

2009 National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) reforms - Strengthened

(Amendment) teacher education and accreditation. (NCFTE)

Justice Verma Committee Report - Focused on teacher education

reforms and quality improvement. - Report title: "Vision of Teacher
2012
Education in India: Quality & Regulatory Prospects". - Recommended
enhanced training and professional development.

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) - Aimed at higher

2013 education quality improvement. - Provided funding and autonomy to
state universities.

T.S.R. Subramanian Committee Report (May 2016) - Provided the

2016 foundation for NEP 2020 recommendations. - Suggested curriculum
overhauls, vocational education reforms, and skill integration.

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA + RMSA + TE merged) - Integrated

2018 school education from pre-primary to higher secondary. - Included
teacher education and vocational training components.

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 - Introduced multidisciplinary

2020 education and vocational exposure from Class 6. - Focused on digital
learning, employability skills, and competency-based education.

Year Event Details

Establishment of Ministry of MoE was first established after independence to

1949
Education (MoE) oversee education policies in India.

MoE was renamed as MHRD to emphasize

Renaming to MHRD (Ministry of
1985 human capital development through education
Human Resource Development)
and training.

The RCI Act was passed to regulate and

Enactment of the Rehabilitation
1992 standardize training programs for persons with
Council of India (RCI) Act
disabilities.

RCI Becomes a The RCI Act came into effect on June 22, 1993, making
1993
Statutory Body RCI a statutory body.

Amendment to the The Act was amended to strengthen regulations for

2000
RCI Act disability training programs.
 The PwD Act was passed to protect and ensure
Enactment of the Persons
2016 empowerment, inclusion, and dignity of persons with
with Disabilities (PwD) Act
disabilities.

- Recognized 21 types of disabilities.

- 4% reservation in government jobs.
2017 (April 19) PwD Act Comes into Effect
- 5% reservation in higher education.
- Penalty: ₹5 lakh for violations.

MHRD was renamed back to MoE to realign

its focus on education.
MHRD Renamed Back to Ministry
2020 Departments Under MoE:-Department of
of Education (MoE)
School & Adult Education
- Department of Higher Education

- Introduced under NEP 2020.

2021 - Revised every 10 years.
Draft of National Professional
(Nov - Objective: Enhance teacher quality, improve
Standards for Teachers (NPST)
17) student outcomes, and define effective teaching
standards.

2030 NPST Review and The NPST will undergo review and revision in 2030 by
(Future) Revision NCTE based on policy assessments.