Anurag Behar, CEO of Azim Premji University says that the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS), released by India’s Ministry of Education in October 2022, is a crucial element of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It follows a 4-stage structure and focuses on the first five years of education (ages 3-8) known as the Foundational Stage. The NCF-FS emphasizes integrated and play-based learning to address all aspects of a child’s development. It promotes inclusive education, local context-based teaching, and assessment as a means for learning and development. The framework aims to empower teachers and build an enabling ecosystem for high-quality early childhood care and education.
