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The Indian education system comprises multiple stages. Students progress through these levels of learning during their educational journey. The country has a unique position globally, catering to the increasing demand for high-quality education by offering a diverse range of curricula such as ICSE, IB, IGCSE, CBSE, and State Board. Additionally, the education system in the country accommodates students who prefer homeschooling and distance education.
Despite the diversity of curricula, there is a joint educational framework that most schools in India follow. For those new to the Indian education system or seeking a comprehensive understanding of its stages, the following article provides valuable insights.
Stages of Education in India
- Pre-primary Education
Children between 3 and 6 years of age start their schooling either in a preschool, nursery, or kindergarten with either a regular kindergarten approach or a Montessori approach to learning.
- Kindergarten
The Kindergarten is a two-year program divided into LKG (Lower Kindergarten) and UKG (Upper Kindergarten).
Some of the best preschools in Bangalore focus on the following:
- Introducing letters
- Cursive writing
- Letter recognition games and much more
At CMR National Public School, we introduce children to Storytelling and Puppetry, intending to develop children’s imagination, creativity and thinking capacity along with their verbal skills.
- Montessori
Montessori, on the other hand, is a three-year program with three levels of learning: Montessori 1, Montessori 2, and Montessori 3.
Children are introduced to the basics of:
- Literacy and language
- Mathematics
- General knowledge
- Arts
The Montessori learning method is refined and aimed at profoundly impacting children’s learning and comprehension of the foundational subjects. Children learn about pronunciations and concepts of writing along with numeracy concepts like shapes, size, counting and measurements.
- Quest
At CMR National Public School, we have a unique programme called Quest, which engages students to learn new things via inquiry-based learning methods.
Quest program equips our young learners to:
- Cultivate a mind of curiosity and inquiry
- Participate in various sensory and stimulating experiences
- Critically think and make sense of the information given to them
2. Primary School
In India, primary education is designed for young children aged 6 to 11, spanning from grades 1 to 5. This stage lasts five years, during which children acquire fundamental knowledge in Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English, and Computer Science. It is important to note that students’ learning also depends on the curriculum they have subscribed to.
The Indian education system offers various curriculums to choose from, such as:
The best primary schools in Bangalore offer an excellent opportunity for:
Growth and learning in a carefully structured and nurturing environment, guided by well-trained and experienced educators. Children in this age group are known for their curiosity, quick learning abilities, open-mindedness, and immense enthusiasm.
We at CMR NPS understand this and introduce them to the following:
- Visual arts
- Performing arts
- Life skills
- Physical education
The aim is to make experiential learning a reality for every student.
3. Middle School
The Middle School Program is for children from grades 6 to 8. The program focuses on helping students develop a strong foundation in academics and apply their learning in the real world.
The middle school curriculum emphasises more profound content knowledge in subjects such as:
- Mathematics
- General Science
- Social Science
- Languages
- ICT Education.
It also prepares them for the transition into high school.
At CMR NPS, the curriculum’s non-scholastic components encompass the following:
- Physical Education
- Environmental Education
- Music
- Elocutions, Debates & Quizzes
- Story and Poetry Writing
These activities are conducted year-round to enhance students’ literary skills and physical endurance and boost their self-confidence.
4. Senior School
Senior School, the secondary stage spans from Grade 9 to Grade 12 which is bifurcated into secondary and higher secondary stages in India. At this stage, the school’s teaching is oriented to help children think outside the box, enhance critical thinking, and improve problem-solving abilities, while also preparing them to face board exams and other college entrance exams.
The Grade 10 public examinations are one of the most critical stages in the academic journey as students receive their High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC).
Schools congregate on giving them a firm base in languages and core subjects such as:
- Mathematics
- Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- Social Science (History, Civics, and Geography)
- Computer Science
- English
- Hindi
- Regional Languages (Kannada/Telugu/Tamil etc)
Students at CMR National Public School receive a dynamic and enriching education that prepares them for their future academic and career goals. Initiatives such as:
- College and Career Guidance
- After-School-Activities
- Service Learning
- Experienced Educators
- Skill Development Programs
5. Higher Secondary Stage
In the educational journey, the next pivotal phase comprises classes 11 and 12. This stage is for students above 17 years old with an HSLC certification eligible for higher secondary examinations. It offers a choice of streams, namely Humanities, Science, and Commerce, allowing students to align their studies with their aptitudes and interests. Completing this stage opens doors to a promising and prosperous student future.
- Humanities include subjects such as:
- History
- English Literature
- Kannada Literature
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Commerce subjects are mainly:
- Accountancy
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Business Management
- Economics
- Science focuses on subjects like:
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Electronics
6. Undergraduate Study
The undergraduate study is a three/four-year programme in India. There are plenty of courses at central universities, deemed-to-be universities, deemed universities, and private universities.
Based on one’s interest and talent, each student chooses his or her course. In Karnataka, especially, universities have three combination subjects, which gives students the flexibility to pursue their individual interests and career paths.
7. Postgraduate Study
After completing their undergraduate degrees, students in India often pursue postgraduate studies as the next phase of their academic journey. These programs usually last for two years, but the duration may vary based on the university and course of study.
Postgraduate programs are available in a wide range of disciplines and offer students the opportunity to specialise and improve their knowledge and skills. Pursuing a postgraduate degree is often considered a way to enhance one’s career prospects and expertise in a particular field, including research, in which case it acts as a gateway. Universities and institutions across India offer diverse postgraduate programs that cater to the varied interests and goals of students.
7. Distance Education in India
In India, distance education is a learning method that enables students to obtain academic qualifications without attending traditional on-campus classes. This mode of education is designed to provide flexibility and accessibility to a diverse range of learners, including working professionals, those with geographical limitations, or those requiring a self-paced learning experience.
Usually, Open Universities and Private Universities allow students to pursue higher education on their own terms and at their own pace.
8. Homeschooling in India
Homeschooling is an alternative approach where parents/guardians educate their children at home instead of traditional schools. While not widely practised in India, there is a rising trend of increasing interest and a growing number of individuals choosing to homeschool.
There is a legal grey area surrounding homeschooling in India. RTE mandates compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14, and homeschooling does not fall neatly within this framework. While some states may require homeschooling parents to receive permission from the local education authority, others may not.
CMR NPS goes beyond traditional education paradigms, creating an environment that nurtures student’s intellectual curiosity, individuality, and diverse talents. Through a combination of inclusive practices, innovative teaching methods, and a commitment to holistic development, the institution empowers students to explore and maximise their potential in various facets of life.
Conclusion
India’s education system has a unique and constantly evolving approach that offers a wide spectrum of educational opportunities to students at different stages of their academic journey. From pre-primary education to higher education, including undergraduate and postgraduate studies, India caters to a variety of interests, talents, and career aspirations.
It’s worth noting that the Indian educational system is adapting to embrace new paradigms such as distance education and homeschooling, providing students with more flexible and personalised learning options. As the country strives to meet the increasing demand for high-quality education, it continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of its learners.
With its rich tapestry of curricula and a commitment to fostering a well-rounded education, India is at the forefront of global education. It is poised to empower future generations with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
CMR National Public School is one of the supportive, structured learning environments that encourage students to explore their potential to the fullest.
For more information about our philosophy, and curricular and extracurricular activities, please contact us at admissions@cmrnps.ac.in or call 080-47091586.
