A 10-year-old building a game. A seventh-grader creating a chatbot to answer questions about her school. Sounds like something out of Silicon Valley? Not anymore. This is slowly becoming a reality in Indian classrooms too. With the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Indian government made a bold and much-needed move. For the first time, kids as young as those in Class 6 are being introduced to coding as part of their school curriculum. This is part of a much bigger shift in how we think about learning in India.
So, what exactly is NEP 2020?
The National Education Policy 2020 is India’s new roadmap for education, launched by the Union Cabinet on July 29, 2020. It replaced an education policy that was over three decades old. Yes, the last time we updated our national education vision, Doordarshan was still peak entertainment, and floppy disks were high-tech!
NEP 2020 aims to make learning more holistic, flexible, and rooted in real-world skills. It ditches the old-school “ratta-maar” (rote learning) approach and encourages creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. Coding is one of the biggest highlights of this change, signaling that our classrooms are finally catching up with the world outside.
So why exactly did India decide to bring coding into classrooms? And what does it mean for Indian children’s future? Let’s break it down.
The NEP’s Vision for Modern Learning
For years, Indian classrooms followed the same formula: textbooks, exams, repeat. But memorizing without understanding can only take you so far, especially in a world where your fridge can talk back and your phone knows you better than your best friend.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 decided it was time for a much-needed upgrade. The idea? Move away from cramming and focus more on skills like problem-solving, creativity, and digital know-how. Coding naturally fits into this vision like paneer in a butter masala.
By introducing coding from Class 6 onwards, the NEP hopes to raise not just tech-savvy kids, but thinkers, tinkerers, and creators. Kids who don’t just use apps, but can actually build them.
Because in tomorrow’s world, knowing coding is not just cool, it’s essential.
Why Start Coding in School?
Let’s be honest. Most of us learned PowerPoint in college and thought we were tech geniuses. But today’s kids? They’re swiping screens before they can tie their shoelaces. So, the question isn’t why teach them coding early, but rather, why wait?
Starting coding in school is all about teaching them how to think logically, creatively, and step by step. Coding builds patience, problem-solving skills, and a “let me figure this out” attitude.
And the best part? It feels like play. Kids can create games, animations, apps, and almost everything they can show off at family dinner.
It’s learning, but in disguise. And kids are loving it.
How Coding Helps Beyond Computers
Now you might be thinking, “Okay, coding is cool, but what if my kid doesn’t want to be a techie?” Fair question. But here’s the twist: coding isn’t just about computers. It’s about life skills, sneaked in through a keyboard.
Think about it. When kids learn to code, they learn how to break big problems into small pieces. They learn to fail, fix, retry—and not cry over it (okay, maybe just a little). They start thinking in patterns, spotting mistakes, and finding smarter ways to do things. These are all those skills that help whether they become chefs, designers, or cricket coaches.
Coding teaches kids how to think. And once you learn that, honestly, you can do anything. Even teach your parents how to set up Wi-Fi.
What Exactly Did the NEP Say?
Alright, so what did the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 say about coding? Is it now a full-blown subject like Math or Science? Well… not exactly. But it’s made its grand entry.
The NEP suggests that students from Class 6 onwards should be introduced to coding as a part of something called “21st-century skills.” That’s the fancy way of saying: Hey kids, here’s how you survive and thrive in the future.
And this isn’t just an Indian thing. Countries like the UK, Australia, and even Singapore have already added coding to school curricula. Globally, schools are moving from chalkboards to code editors, and India’s hopping onto that train, too.
Why? Because the world is changing fast, and coding isn’t just a skill for Geeks anymore. It’s becoming as important as reading, writing, or basic math. When kids learn to code early, they pick up a technical skill, they start thinking like problem solvers and creators.
The idea isn’t to turn every child into the next Elon Musk (thankfully), but to make them curious, creative, and capable. It’s going to make learning coding playful —yes, they even used that word!
In short, the NEP said: Let the kids tinker. Let them build. Let them learn by doing.
How Schools Are Implementing It?
So, how are schools actually teaching coding? Is it all black screens and scary green text like in the movies? Nope. But it’s also not exactly Silicon Valley in the classroom.
Many schools are trying to include coding, but more often than not, it stays on paper. A few basic commands here, a Scratch project there—and that’s about it. The “coding period” can sometimes feel more like a theory class with a different name.
What kids really need is hands-on experience—things they can play with, experiment on, build and actually see come to life. That’s where a platform like Whizen stands out. We keep things real, relevant, and super fun. Kids don’t just learn to code. They code to learn.
India’s Broader Goals
Let’s zoom out for a second. Why is India suddenly so obsessed with coding?
Well, we’re not just teaching kids to write “Hello World.” We’re aiming for something bigger—a nation full of digital creators, not just consumers. It’s all part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat dream where Indian kids aren’t just job-ready, but world-ready.
India wants to be a global digital powerhouse, and this can’t happen if only a few city kids know tech. So, coding in schools? It’s a way to bridge the rural-urban tech gap and make sure every kid gets a fair shot.
What’s Next: Challenges and Opportunities
Alright, now that coding is in the classroom, what’s next? Well, not everything is smooth sailing. There are some real challenges that schools and educators need to tackle to make this dream a reality.
Infrastructure Gaps:
Many schools, especially in smaller towns or villages, don’t have a stable internet connection or enough computers to go around. Trying to teach coding without these basics is like trying to bake a cake without an oven. No matter how great the recipe (or syllabus), it’s tough to get results without the right tools.
Teacher Availability:
Having computers is one thing, but having teachers who actually know how to use them for teaching code. That’s still a big gap. A lot of schools are still playing catch-up when it comes to hiring or training educators who are confident in coding themselves. Otherwise, coding becomes yet another subject kids are expected to memorize without really “getting” it.
Curriculum Integration:
You can’t just shove coding into a timetable and hope it sticks. Lessons need to be age-appropriate, engaging, and tied into what kids are already learning. It’s not about turning every child into a tech wizard—it’s about helping them explore and think creatively. But designing such lessons takes effort and thoughtful planning.
Student Engagement:
Let’s be honest—coding can seem scary or boring to some kids if it’s all about memorizing rules or typing endless lines of code. Making it playful, interactive, and project-based is key to keeping young learners excited and curious.
Assessment and Evaluation:
How do you grade creativity and problem-solving when it comes to coding? Developing fair and effective ways to assess coding skills without turning it into a stressful exam is still a work in progress.
But there’s a silver lining to all of this: Edtech platforms are stepping in with courses, tools, and even games that make coding feel like playtime. The NEP is also giving schools freedom to experiment, which is a huge deal.
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to get your kids started, Whizen’s coding courses are designed just for curious young minds, ready to turn learning into an adventure. Check them out here and watch your child’s coding journey take off!
If we get this right, we won’t just raise kids who scroll through apps but who build them as well.
Conclusion
So, coding in schools is now all about giving them the superpower to think differently, solve problems, and dream bigger. With a little support and a lot of curiosity, India’s classrooms could be the launchpads for the next big tech heroes. Who knows? The next app or robot changing the world might just be made by a kid sitting in your neighborhood school!
FAQs
What is the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?
It’s India’s updated education framework, launched in 2020 after 34 years. It aims to make learning more flexible, skill-based, and future-ready.
Why does NEP include coding in schools?
To help students learn problem-solving, logical thinking, and digital skills early—important for today’s tech-driven world.
From which class is coding introduced under NEP 2020?
Coding is introduced from Class 6 onwards as part of 21st-century skills.
Is coding now a separate subject like Science or Maths?
Not exactly. It’s part of skill-based learning and is blended into the curriculum through projects and activities.
How does coding help school kids?
It improves creativity, logical thinking, and confidence. Kids can build apps, games, or solve real-world problems.
Are all schools teaching coding practically?
Not yet. Some still focus more on theory due to lack of resources or trained teachers.
What challenges do schools face in teaching coding?
Limited internet, fewer trained teachers, and lack of updated curriculum are major hurdles, especially in rural areas.
Do kids need expensive gadgets to learn coding?
Nope! Basic computers or tablets and a stable internet connection are enough to start with block-based or beginner coding tools.
What are some global countries doing about coding in schools?
Countries like the UK, Australia, and Singapore have already made coding part of early education.
Where can my child learn coding if school isn’t offering it properly?
Platforms like Whizen offer fun, hands-on coding courses designed just for kids—with real projects and mentor support.
