Education
Early childhood development MILESTONES AND HOW TO ACHIEVE THEM
There are multiple programmes that can help a child achieve milestones and an early intervention always leads to successful outcomes, believes PARVATHY JAYAKRISHNAN
Children are beautiful just as they are and all we need to do is guide them to do develop and grow into individuals who can think clearly on their own. One thing we need to understand as parents and educators is that every child is unique and different from one another. Developmental milestones are indicators that tell you the abilities that an average child can achieve at a certain age. These milestones can involve physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and communication skills such as walking, sharing with others, expressing emotions, recognising familiar sounds, and talking.
The milestones can help identify potential delays in development and the parent can get help from a doctor, if needed. Delays can be identified by a parent, teacher or a caretaker who is closely involved in bringing up the child.
PHYSICAL MILESTONES
The first five years of a child’s life is most crucial in their overall development and it is important that he/she is observed very closely to understand their development and to see if they are achieving milestones. Children may be observed by their parent, caretaker or their preschool teacher and any gaps in development need to be discussed and tended to. Early intervention in any case can lead to much better results.
FROM 1 TO 2 YEARS
Children start becoming independent at this age and tasks requiring balance and hand-eye coordination begin to emerge. During this stage of development, most children are able to:
Pick things up while standing up
Walk backwards
Walk up and down the stairs without assistance
Move and sway to music
Colour or paint by moving the entire arm
Scribble with markers or crayons
Turn knobs and handles
FROM 2 TO 3 YEARS
Building on earlier skills, children become increasingly adept at activities that require coordination and speed. From two to three years of age, most children begin to:
Run in a forward direction
Jump in one place
Kick a ball
Stand on one foot
Turn pages of a book
Draw a circle
Hold a crayon between the thumb and fingers
FROM 3 TO 4 YEARS
Children develop better movement and balance skills. From age three to four, most kids begin to:
Ride a tricycle
Go down a slide without help
Throw and catch a ball
Pull and steer toys
Walk in a straight line
Build a tall towers with toy blocks
Manipulate clay into shapes
FROM 4-5 YEARS
During this period of development, children become increasingly confident in their abilities. Most children begin to:
Jump on one foot
Walk backwards
Do somersaults
Cut paper with safety scissors
Print some letters
Copy shapes including squares and crosses
It is important that a child is given a safe environment to explore, be it at home or in school. Parents and teachers can encourage a child by introducing them to new objects and letting them explore and grab and hold them. To aid proper physical development, nutritious and age-appropriate food is a must. Shelter, warmth, clean air and environment, health care and proper activity and rest are also mandatory for proper physical development.
COGNITIVE MILESTONES
Cognitive milestones are centered around the child’s ability to think, learn and react. Cognitive milestones are equally important and need to be observed for every child as they grow.
FROM 1 TO 2 YEARS
When a child turns one, his/her cognitive skills grow exponentially. They are old enough to observe adults and even emulate their actions. So it is important for parents and caretakers to set good examples to the child. Most one-year-olds begin to:
Understand and respond to words
Identify objects that are similar
Tell the difference between "Me" and "You"
Imitate the actions and language of adults
Point out familiar objects and people in a picture book
Learn through exploration
FROM 2-3 YEARS
Two-year-olds learn a lot from their experiences since they are old enough to explore on their own. With a little assistance and guidance, they can do wonders. Most two-year-olds are able to:
Sort objects by category (i.e., animals, flowers, trees, etc.)
Stack rings on a peg from largest to smallest Imitate more complex adult actions (playing house, pretending to do laundry, etc.)
Identify their own reflection in the mirror by name
Respond to simple directions from parents and caregivers
Name objects in a picture book
Match objects with their uses
FROM 3-4 YEARS
Children become increasingly capable of analysing the world around them in more complex ways. Since children are becoming much more active in the learning process, they also begin to pose questions about the world around them. At this age, the little explorers are able to ask “why” questions which is a sign of deep curiosity and that should be encouraged.
At the age of three, most kids are able to:
Demonstrate awareness of the past and present
Actively seek answers to questions
Learn by observing and listening to instructions
Organise objects by size and shape
Understand how to group and match object according to colour
Have a longer attention span of around 5 to 15 minutes
Asks "why" questions to gain information
FROM 4-5 YEARS
As they near school age, children become better at using words, imitating adult actions, counting and other basic activities that are important for school preparedness. Most four-year-olds are able to:
Rhyme
Name and identify many colours
Draw the shape of a person
Count to five
Tell where they live
Draw pictures that they often name and describe
Cognitive development can be boosted by being patient and answering your child’s queries. Although there maybe too many questions which your toddler may ask, it is important that the teacher or parent communicates and responds to them. It will make them sharper and more aware of what is happening around them. It is also important to give your child a chance to make a choice. For example, you can ask a child, “Would you like to colour the picture with blue or green?” – a question that will force the child to think and make a decision.
Singing along with your child and encouraging him/her to sing also boosts cognitive development. Practicing shapes, colours and counting are also great activities to involve your toddler in. Schools can take children to the post-office or the vegetable vendor to introduce new concepts to their preschoolers. Playing with everyday items like helping your toddler look at his own reflection on a steel plate or making music by banging hands on a table can be great exercises to boost cognitive ability.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL MILESTONES
This is yet another very important set of milestones. Social and emotional milestones deal with the child’s emotions, how they express themselves and how they interact and play with other children.
FROM 1 TO 2 YEARS
During this age, kids often spend more time interacting with a lot of people. They also start to gain a greater sense of self-awareness. At this stage, most can:
Recognise their own image in the mirror
Initiate play activities
Play independently, often imitating adult actions
Act pleased when they accomplish something
Start trying to help, often by putting toys away
Express negative emotions including anger and frustration
Become more self-assertive and may try to direct the actions of others
FROM 2 TO 3 YEARS
During the toddler years, kids become more and more creative and confident. At two years old, most kids begin to:
Become aware that they are a boy or girl
Begin to dress and undress themselves
Demonstrate personal preferences about toys, food, and activities
Start saying "No" to adults
Enjoy watching and playing with other children
Become defensive about their own possessions
Use objects symbolically during play
Often have rapid changes in mood
FROM 3 TO 4 YEARS
Because three-year-olds are becoming increasingly able to perform physical actions, their sense of confidence and independence becomes more pronounced at this age. During the third year, most children begin to:
Follow directions
Perform some tasks with little or no assistance
Share toys with other kids
Make up games and ask other children to join in
Begin engaging in pretend play
FROM 4 TO 5 YEARS
During the fourth year, children gain a greater awareness of their own individuality. As their physical skills increase, they are more capable of exploring their own abilities which can help lead to great confidence and personal pride. At this age, most kids begin to:
Understand basic differences between good and bad behaviour
Develop friendships with other kids
Compare themselves to other children and adults
Become more aware of other people’s feelings
Enjoy dramatic, imaginative play with other children
Enjoy competitive games
It is important that the parent or the teacher gives consistent rules to the child so that they get to know that the world is orderly and they also need to be aware of what happens when rules are broken. Children need to be given an opportunity to play with others and explore their own emotions. If you see a child giving an unsuitable emotional response to some event, he/she needs to be told that the reaction is unacceptable and an alternative response needs to be given so that they learn.
It is important to be caring and nurturing. Loving touches and encouraging words make your child feel that he/she is special. When they feel loved, they will learn to love others the same way. A child also needs to be helped in resolving conflicts in a healthy and appropriate way.
COMMUNICATION MILESTONES
Communication milestones involve verbal and nonverbal communication. Children go from making babbling sounds to saying their first word to speaking small sentences in a very short period of time. It is very important that the parent and teacher speaks to the child to encourage their speech. It is amazing how children can understand a great deal of language spoken to them even before they utter their first word.
FROM 1 TO 2 YEARS
During the first year, the use of language begins to grow considerably. Developmental researchers often refer to this period as the two-word stage because most kids begin to use simple, two-word sentences. Starting around the age of 18 months, children begin to learn estimated 9 to 10 new words each day. At one year of age, most children start to:
Understand basic commands such as "Eat your cereal"
Use "mine" to indicate possession of objects
Have a vocabulary that includes several words that are spoken clearly
Often use other words that are less clearly spoken and only family members can understand
Start to string together simple words in order to describe things or events
FROM 2 TO 3 YEARS
During the second year, children begin to use language in more complex ways. By the age of 24 months, approximately half of all a child's utterances are at least two words long. During this period of development, children also:
Have specific words to describe most things
Are understood by family members
Begin using adverbs and adjectives
Use two to three-word sentences
Can describe what happened during the day
FROM 3 TO 4 YEARS
At age three, children begin to develop more advanced language and communication skills. Most people outside the family are able to understand what the child is saying at this point and the child can carry on conversations using two to three sentences at a time. Other abilities that begin to emerge include:
Can understand and use sentences
Begins using the past tense and plurals
Able to follow a series of two to four directions
Can understand and use sentences that utilise time ("I'm going to the zoo tomorrow.")
Learn and sing songs
FROM 4 TO 5 YEARS
Between the ages of four and five, children become increasingly skilled at conversing. Not only are they able to talk about cause-and-effect, they are also able to use and understand different comparative language such as fast, faster, and fastest. Some other communication milestones that are achieved during this time period include:
Able to follow a string of up to three unrelated instructions
Enjoys listening to longer stories and can remember them with some accuracy
Uses sentences that average around four to five words
Can combine various thoughts into a single sentence
Asks questions about how, when, and why things happen
Can talk about imaginary or future things ("I wish that…" or "I hope that…")
To enable communication milestones, it is important to speak to your child and listen as well. Children are far more likely to share their ideas and feelings if they know they won’t be judged, teased, or criticised. You can empathise with a child’s experience, yet disagree with his behaviour. Encourage pretend play.
The above milestones are defined to catch any difficulties your child/student may be facing and to facilitate an early intervention to correct them. However, each child develops at his/her own pace and it is important to not jump to conclusions and give a chance to the child to achieve a certain milestone. Some developmental milestones build on one another. Achieving a milestone earlier doesn't mean that the child is gifted and achieving it late does not mean that your child is delayed. It is just an individual difference that simply asserts the fact that each child is unique and each child needs to be given individual attention.
Preschool teachers spend a lot of time with their students and are capable of finding differences in abilities at a much faster rate. If a child is failing to achieve milestones at an expected rate, it is important to take him/her to a healthcare specialist and get him/her evaluated. There are multiple programmes that can help a child achieve milestones and an early intervention always leads to successful outcomes.
In a move aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability, the Maharashtra School Education Department has initiated a comprehensive mapping of all teaching and non-teaching staff positions across government and aided schools in the state. This major exercise will align all staff posts with the approved ‘Sanction Structure’ and validate these positions against salary records in the state’s official payment processing system, Shalarth.
Mapping for Accountability
According to a recent report by Hindustan Times, the Maharashtra government has issued directives to all government, fully-aided, and partially-aided secondary schools, directing them to complete this mapping process by the end of June 2025. The initiative will involve verifying every teaching and non-teaching position against the Sanction Structure and matching these with salary records on the Shalarth portal, which is used for processing staff payments.
The mapping process will leverage an Application Programming Interface (API) developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), allowing the education department to cross-check the data submitted by schools for accuracy. Schools will be required to upload a PDF copy of their completed Sanction Structure mapping before the release of July salaries in August. Any institution failing to comply will face salary disbursement restrictions.
This exercise is a direct response to growing concerns about financial mismanagement in school staffing, including payments made to unauthorised or non-existent employees. The education department has made it clear that strict action will be taken against schools and staff who fail to comply with the new data submission guidelines. Salaries will be withheld in cases where schools delay or neglect the mapping process.
A senior education officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Hindustan Times, “We are taking a data-driven approach to ensure that only legitimate employees are drawing salaries from government funds. The mapping of posts and salary systems will bring transparency and accountability at every level.”
Implications and Potential as a National Model
This initiative has the potential to become a model for other states seeking to ensure transparency in education funding. If successful, the mapping drive can eliminate the problem of “ghost employees,” ensure the fair distribution of government funds, and prevent the influence of politically-backed illegal appointments. However, it also places significant pressure on school administrations, which must ensure complete and accurate data submission.
While the drive promotes accountability, there is a risk of administrative overload, especially in remote or understaffed schools. The use of digital tools, such as the API integration with Shalarth, is a positive step, but effective implementation will depend on user training and technical support.
If proven effective, Maharashtra’s staff mapping initiative could serve as a blueprint for other states in India to adopt a similar approach, ensuring that education funds are used solely for legitimate purposes.
Education
Indian Students Flock to Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai for Higher Studies: 38% Surge Recorded
Indian students are increasingly looking beyond traditional study-abroad destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. According to a recent report by Gradding.com, a study-abroad platform, the number of Indian students choosing countries like Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai has surged by 38%. This trend marks a significant shift in the preferences of Indian students seeking global education.
While the US, UK, and Australia have long been popular choices, the tightening of immigration policies and restrictive post-study visa rules in these countries have caused a decline in student interest. Canada experienced the biggest drop in Indian student enrollments at 41%, followed by the UK with a 27.7% decline and the US with 13%. In contrast, Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai have become preferred alternatives due to their globally recognised institutions, affordable education, and strong job markets.
Mamta Shekhawat, founder of Gradding.com, highlighted the changing landscape, stating, “The evolving preferences of Indian students reflect a transformative shift in global education dynamics. With destinations like Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai offering quality education, affordability, and strong career prospects, we’re witnessing a more informed and strategic approach to overseas education.”
The numbers reinforce this shift. The total number of Indian students studying abroad rose from 750,365 in 2022 to 892,989 in 2023, with a notable increase in those opting for lesser-explored destinations. Singapore, for instance, recorded a 25% year-on-year growth in Indian student enrolment.
The rise of these new destinations is attributed to their student-friendly policies, industry partnerships, and focus on emerging sectors such as finance, technology, and healthcare. As Indian students continue to explore alternative destinations, universities in Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai are expected to see a steady influx, reshaping the global education map.
Education
John King’s Book ‘Teacher By Teacher’: A Global Tribute to the Transformative Power of Education
For John B. King Jr., former U.S. Secretary of Education, school wasn’t just a place—it was a lifeline. In his newly released memoir, Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives, King traces his journey from a grief-stricken child in New York to the corridors of educational leadership in Washington, D.C. But while the book is rooted in the American educational experience, its messages about the impact of teachers resonate far beyond U.S. borders.
In an exclusive interview with Education Week’s Sam Mallon on May 5, 2025, King reflected on his memoir, the teachers who shaped his life, and the ongoing challenges educators face worldwide.
A Childhood Saved by Teachers
King’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship. Following the death of his mother and his father’s battle with Alzheimer’s, school became King’s sanctuary. “Teachers saved my life,” he shared, recalling how educators believed in him, nurtured his potential, and gave him hope even when the world outside seemed dark.
From those formative years, King went on to earn degrees from Harvard, Columbia, and Yale. His career as a teacher, school principal, education policymaker, and eventually, U.S. Secretary of Education became a journey of giving back. The memoir celebrates not only King’s personal resilience but the quiet heroism of teachers everywhere.
Former Secretary of U.S Education John King. Image Source- EducationWeek
While King’s book is anchored in American education, the messages it carries are universally relevant. Teachers worldwide are grappling with challenges—overcrowded classrooms, mental health issues among students, and ever-changing education policies. In his interview with Education Week, King highlighted how schools must be more than academic factories. They must be safe havens, places of healing, and hubs of inspiration.
King advocates for “trauma-informed practice”—an approach where teachers are equipped to understand and support students facing emotional challenges. This is a lesson that transcends borders, as schools globally encounter rising mental health concerns among students.
Teacher Evaluations and Policy Pressures
King’s time as U.S. Secretary of Education was marked by ambitious reforms—from implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to pushing for more rigorous teacher evaluation systems. But looking back, he acknowledges a key lesson: change cannot be forced without teacher buy-in.
“Teachers can’t be bombarded with reforms,” he explained. Change must be gradual, and educators must feel a sense of ownership over new policies.
King’s narrative is ultimately about hope. In his memoir, he shares how a single teacher’s encouragement can change a student’s life trajectory. He recalls how his father’s legacy as New York’s first Black deputy schools chief was kept alive by a former student who, years later, shared how impactful his father’s teaching was.
Teaching is more than a job—it is a calling. It is a force for social good, a platform for mentorship, and a means to nurture the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and dreamers. King’s Teacher By Teacher is a reminder that educators everywhere have the power to transform lives, often without even knowing it.
Though written from an American perspective, Teacher By Teacher is a love letter to educators everywhere. It is a call to support teachers, to understand the pressures they face, and to recognise the life-changing impact they can have on their students.
For a world that often takes teachers for granted, John King’s memoir is a reminder of the heroes who stand at the front of every classroom, ready to make a difference.
Excerpts referenced in this article were taken from John King's exclusive interview with Education Week on May 5, 2025, in Washington, conducted by Sam Mallon for Education Week.
Education
Operation Sindoor and Operation Abhyaas: Navigating School Safety and Student Well-being Amid Rising Tensions
In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border. This military action has prompted heightened security measures nationwide, including the closure of schools in several border districts and the initiation of Operation Abhyaas—a nationwide civil defence mock drill aimed at bolstering emergency preparedness.
As a precautionary step, educational institutions in border districts of Punjab (Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur), Rajasthan (Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer), and Jammu & Kashmir have been temporarily closed. These closures aim to ensure the safety of students and staff amid potential cross-border hostilities.
Operation Abhyaas: Enhancing Emergency Preparedness
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated Operation Abhyaas, a comprehensive civil defence exercise conducted across 244 districts. This drill encompasses activities such as air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, evacuation procedures, and public training sessions. In Delhi, for instance, 55 locations are participating in the drill, involving students, teachers, and civil defence volunteers.
Addressing Student Anxiety and Promoting Well-being
The current climate of uncertainty and the implementation of mock drills can understandably lead to anxiety among students. Educators and school administrators play a pivotal role in mitigating these concerns:
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Open Communication: Provide age-appropriate explanations about the drills and current events, reassuring students about the measures taken for their safety.
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Emotional Support: Encourage students to express their feelings and provide support through counseling services or designated safe spaces within the school.
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Routine and Normalcy: Maintain regular school routines to provide a sense of stability and normalcy for students.
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Parental Involvement: Engage with parents to keep them informed and involved in addressing their children’s concerns.
While the current geopolitical situation necessitates heightened security and preparedness, it is crucial to balance these measures with the emotional and psychological well-being of students. Through proactive communication, support, and engagement, educators can help students navigate these challenging times with resilience and understanding.
The Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate admissions (CUET-UG) 2025, originally scheduled to commence on May 8, is likely to be postponed, according to sources close to the National Testing Agency (NTA). While an official confirmation is still awaited, fresh dates for the examination are expected to be announced shortly.
The delay follows the recently concluded NEET-UG examination—an extensive exercise that required significant logistical oversight, especially as NEET had faced scrutiny last year over alleged integrity lapses.
Despite the approaching exam date, the NTA has yet to release the subject-wise date sheet for CUET-UG 2025, adding to the anticipation and confusion among over 1.35 million applicants—marking the highest-ever number of registrations for the exam since its inception.
This year, CUET-UG will be conducted exclusively in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, signifying a notable departure from the hybrid format adopted in 2024. The hybrid model was introduced to accommodate varied digital access across regions, but also led to logistical complications. In fact, the 2024 CUET-UG exam was abruptly cancelled across Delhi the night before it was scheduled due to operational constraints.
The first edition of CUET-UG in 2022 was marred by technical issues and inconsistencies across multiple shifts, necessitating a complex score normalisation process. The shift to a fully CBT format this year is expected to streamline operations, but the current delay and lack of clarity raise questions about preparedness.
As undergraduate admissions in central universities and several private institutions are now tied to CUET-UG, any delay in the exam calendar has a cascading effect on the academic schedule.
Students and stakeholders are advised to monitor the official NTA website for updates on the revised dates and examination guidelines.
Education
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025: Nominations Now Open for India’s Young Achievers
The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, has officially opened nominations for the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2025, a national-level award that celebrates the exceptional achievements of children across the country. The last date to submit nominations is 31st July 2025, and applications must be submitted online via the official Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.
Open to children aged between 5 and 18 years as on 31 July 2025, the PMRBP recognises outstanding contributions in six categories: Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture, and Science & Technology. Children may be nominated by individuals or institutions, and self-nominations are also allowed.
To apply, nominators must register on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal with essential details such as name, date of birth, contact information, and Aadhaar number. After logging in, users must select “Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025” under the ongoing nominations section. The application requires a detailed description (maximum 500 words) of the nominee’s achievement and its societal impact, along with supporting documents and a recent photograph.
Do you know a young hero whose story can inspire the entire nation?
Nominate them today at 👉 https://t.co/7nl4GXleo8
Hurry! The last date to submit is 31st July 2025.#PMRBP2025 #VeerBaalDiwas@PIBWCD | @mygovindia | @PMOIndia | @EduMinOfIndia pic.twitter.com/i3gVto5gzh— Ministry of WCD (@MinistryWCD) May 2, 2025
The award, conferred annually by the President of India at a ceremonial function in New Delhi, is regarded as one of the highest civilian honours for children. It aims to inspire India’s youth by showcasing exemplary stories of courage, innovation, and leadership among peers.
At a time when young people are shaping conversations on climate, technology, arts, and inclusive change, initiatives like the PMRBP are a powerful reminder that excellence can begin early—and deserves national recognition.
For detailed eligibility criteria and application guidelines, visit https://awards.gov.in.
Over two decades since it first opened its doors to the children of the mountains, Druk Padma Karpo School in Ladakh—popularly known as Rancho’s School from the iconic film 3 Idiots—has officially received affiliation from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This marks a significant milestone for the cold desert institution that has long stood at the intersection of innovative education and cinematic fame.
A Long Journey to Recognition
Founded in 2001 and lauded for its unconventional teaching methods and sustainable campus, the school was until recently affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education (JKBOSE). Despite meeting high academic and infrastructural standards, the school faced delays in securing the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from JKBOSE.
“We had been trying to get CBSE affiliation even before Ladakh became a Union Territory,” shared Principal Mingur Angmo. “Now, with the affiliation in place, our first batch of Class 10 students has already appeared for their CBSE board exams.”
The affiliation brings with it new opportunities: the school is preparing to expand its offerings up to Class 12 by 2028 and is currently training its teachers to align with CBSE’s evolving curriculum—especially in the wake of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).
Where Cinema Meets Classroom
Made famous as the backdrop for several scenes in 3 Idiots, including the now-legendary “Rancho’s Wall,” Druk Padma Karpo has become a frequent stop for tourists visiting Ladakh. The wall was relocated in 2018 to reduce disruptions to the school’s learning environment, but its legacy continues.
Even today, visitors are occasionally allowed to witness school activities, like student-led mock elections and sustainability projects. The school’s philosophy blends hands-on learning with real-world problem-solving—long before such practices became policy prescriptions.
A Symbol of Change for Ladakh’s Schools
The CBSE affiliation is more than a moment of celebration for Druk Padma Karpo—it sets a precedent for other schools in Ladakh still affiliated with JKBOSE. With discussions about forming a separate territorial education board underway, this development might serve as a roadmap for institutions in similar limbo.
More importantly, CBSE affiliation opens pathways for Druk Padma Karpo’s students to pursue higher education and career opportunities across India and abroad, thanks to the broader recognition of the national board’s credentials.
As Principal Angmo noted, “Our approach to education has always been different—focused on understanding rather than rote learning. With CBSE now also moving towards competency-based teaching after NEP, we’re optimistic about merging our ethos with national reforms.”
The story of Druk Padma Karpo School is a reminder that good education can come from the most unexpected places—sometimes even from a windswept plateau framed by the Himalayas. With its blend of tradition and transformation, the school now embarks on a new chapter—one where storytelling, cinema, sustainability, and structured pedagogy go hand in hand.
By the year 2050, India is expected to be home to the largest population of children in the world—an estimated 350 million. That’s nearly the entire population of the United States, but all under the age of 18.
This projection, from UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2024 report, is more than just a statistic—it’s a call to action. As the demographic centre of the world’s children shifts firmly toward South Asia, and particularly India, the pressure on educational systems, teacher preparedness, and infrastructure is mounting. The big question is: Are we ready?
The Numbers Behind the Challenge
According to the report, while the global child population will remain relatively stable at 2.3 billion in the 2050s, regional distributions are changing dramatically. South Asia, including India, will continue to shoulder a significant share, even as fertility rates fall in other parts of the world.
India alone is projected to have:
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350 million children under the age of 18 by 2050
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14.9% of the global child population
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A drop of 106 million children compared to early 2000s figures, but still the largest youth population worldwide
Despite this, a substantial proportion of these children will live in economically disadvantaged conditions. The report notes that the number of children in today’s low-income countries is expected to double, and 23% of the global child population will live in these regions by the 2050s—up from just 11% in the 2000s.
A System Under Strain
The implications for India’s schooling system are significant. Even today, the challenges are visible: overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and disparities in access to quality learning, especially in rural and marginalised communities. If this is the reality now, one can only imagine the stress an additional 350 million young minds will put on the system without robust intervention.
To meet this demographic surge, India must accelerate investments in:
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School infrastructure: New schools, more classrooms, better facilities.
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Teacher recruitment and training: Prioritising not just numbers, but competency-based teaching skills.
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EdTech and blended learning: With thoughtful integration—not replacement—of classroom learning, digital tools can help bridge accessibility gaps.
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Early childhood education: Foundational learning cannot be delayed. A larger young population needs stronger ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) implementation.
Curriculum That Looks Forward
With more children set to live in urban areas by 2050—three out of five, globally—the way education is designed will need to adapt to rapidly urbanising societies. This isn’t just about adding schools in cities. It’s about rethinking the curriculum for a generation that will grow up digitally native, climate-conscious, and globally connected.
Curriculum designers will need to move beyond rote learning and into 21st-century skills: critical thinking, emotional intelligence, environmental literacy, and AI readiness. It also means preparing children to live in an ageing society, where intergenerational support systems might look very different from today.
The Teachers of Tomorrow
The report highlights that dependency ratios—the number of dependents (children and elderly) per working-age adult—will remain high in regions like South Asia. This makes the role of teachers not just instructional, but transformational. Teachers will be frontline policymakers, social workers, and innovators all rolled into one.
Investing in teacher training today means investing in the emotional, cognitive, and social development of future generations. This also includes mental health support for both students and educators, as the pressures of this shift begin to take hold.
Why the World is Watching India
India’s role on the global education stage is about to become even more prominent. With the largest share of the world’s children, its policies, pilot programmes, public-private partnerships, and pedagogy will shape not only its own future—but serve as a model (or a warning) for the rest of the world.
UNICEF’s report urges governments to act now, not later, to shape the future. The youngest future belongs to India. Whether it’s a dividend or a disaster depends on the choices we make today.
For the first time since 1931, India is set to conduct a nationwide caste census—a move that has stirred political headlines and, perhaps, textbook margins too.
Announced officially by the Union Government this week, the caste enumeration will be included in the upcoming national census, marking a significant shift in how demographic data is collected and analysed. While states like Bihar have recently undertaken caste surveys, this is the first time in post-independence India that the Centre has agreed to officially gather detailed caste data, beyond the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) traditionally documented since 1951.
📚 So, what exactly is a caste census?
Think of it as a social snapshot. A caste census doesn’t just count—it maps. It records the distribution of caste groups across India and looks at their access to education, employment, housing, and welfare. The aim is to help policymakers understand who’s thriving, who’s still struggling, and where gaps remain.
🏫 Why should schools care?
Because this isn’t just data for government files—it’s a lesson in equity, diversity, and history.
The caste census is more than a bureaucratic exercise. It’s an opportunity for educators to unpack centuries of India’s complex social structure and help young minds make sense of why some policies exist in the first place. Reservation, affirmative action, social justice—these are not just chapter headings. They’re real-world mechanisms built on understanding where society stands.
For school students, this could be a way to understand that historical inequality doesn’t disappear just because it’s uncomfortable to discuss. Including caste enumeration as a case study in Social Science classes can foster honest, inclusive conversations about privilege, access, and opportunity.
We can rightly put it by saying, “Understanding caste isn’t about division, it’s about awareness.”
🏛️ From 1931 to 2025: What changed?
Under British rule, caste was recorded in every Census between 1881 and 1931. After independence, India stopped documenting caste broadly, focusing only on SCs and STs. The last comprehensive attempt was the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), but its data was never officially released due to questions around accuracy.
This latest announcement, therefore, is more than a policy decision—it’s a social reckoning.
And while political parties like the Congress have long demanded such a survey, arguing it’s crucial for equitable development, its inclusion now provides a teachable moment for the education system.
✏️ Making it student-friendly
Here’s how schools can make the caste census more accessible and meaningful to students:
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Storytelling through data: Use infographics and classroom discussions to show how socio-economic progress varies across communities.
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Project-based learning: Let students study their local area’s access to public services—schools, hospitals, ration shops—and link it back to the idea of representation.
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Debate and dialogue: Create spaces where students can discuss reservations, inclusion, and diversity with sensitivity and empathy.
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Historical comparisons: Encourage students to trace how the Census evolved over time and what it tells us about India’s changing priorities.
In an age of growing data literacy, this is a golden chance to show students how numbers can tell stories—and how those stories can shape policy and perception.
Because education isn’t just about teaching history—it’s about helping students read between the lines of it.
In a move poised to bring relief to thousands of parents, the Delhi government has approved the Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees 2025 Bill. The draft legislation, passed during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, aims to regulate and standardise the fee structure in all 1,677 schools across the capital—including private, aided, and unaided institutions.
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Gupta termed the decision “historic and brave,” stating that for the first time, a “foolproof” framework would be established to bring fee transparency across all types of schools in Delhi. “There was no prior mechanism to regulate fee hikes. This Bill will ensure a clear guideline and procedure that schools must follow,” she said.
The development comes amid a rising number of complaints from parents regarding steep and unexplained fee hikes. The Chief Minister also highlighted growing concerns about alleged student harassment in the name of unpaid or increased fees.
To implement the new regulations, Education Minister Ashish Sood announced the formation of a three-tier committee system. These panels will be responsible for reviewing and approving fee structures every three years, factoring in a school’s infrastructure, facilities, and resources.
In a notable step towards inclusive governance, the committees will include three teachers and five parents, selected through a draw of lots. These members will collaboratively determine the permissible fee slabs, thereby ensuring both transparency and stakeholder participation.
The government’s move is also part of a broader crackdown on schools accused of imposing arbitrary and excessive fees. Education officials confirmed that investigations are underway and that regulatory action will follow wherever needed.
As part of its education reform efforts under the National Education Policy 2020, the Delhi government’s focus on equity, accountability, and participatory decision-making marks a significant shift in how school finances are monitored in the national capital.
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