MUSCAT: Indian Schools in Oman are set to introduce the new National Education Policy (NEP) of India across all institutions in the Sultanate, marking a significant shift in the country’s educational framework. This initiative aims to enhance the educational experience for children by following a more holistic approach. The NEP, which redefines the academic structure into a 5+3+3+4 system, will ensure a comprehensive developmental pathway for students at various stages. The focus is not only on academic achievement but also on fostering physical, emotional, and intellectual growth from the earliest years.
The NEP’s restructured academic stages begin with the Foundational Stage, which now includes three years of kindergarten (Balvatika) for children aged 3 to 6. This expansion, from the existing 2-year structure, aims to lay a strong foundation for future learning, focusing on essential skills such as language, communication, and social development. Following the foundational years, the policy defines the Preparatory Stage (Classes 3 to 5), the Middle Stage (Classes 6 to 8), and the Secondary Stage (Classes 9 to 12), which will span the age range from 6 to 18 years.
Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools Oman, expressed strong support for the new policy, emphasizing that its implementation would significantly impact the educational journey of children. He reiterated the Board’s commitment to providing high-quality education that aligns with global standards. The introduction of Balvatika (Pre-school) as part of the NEP 2020 will be implemented starting from the academic year 2025-2026. Dr. Manickam further stated that this foundational program would not only promote academic excellence but also cater to the overall growth and development of young children in various aspects.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, Indian Schools Oman will follow strict age criteria for admissions into the Balvatika program and other classes. Children aged 3 to 6 years will be enrolled in Balvatika, KG I, and KG II, depending on their age as of March 31, 2025. This shift aims to standardize entry points into the education system while ensuring that each child is placed according to their developmental readiness. Moreover, the schools will also adhere to the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stages (NCF-FS) 2022, focusing on five core areas of child development, including cognitive, social, and creative skills. This structured approach will contribute to creating a nurturing environment for children to explore and grow.
