Recommendations of the Kothari Commission

Commission believed that to achieve various national objectives, education should be closely linked to the lives, needs, and aspirations of the people. The Main Recommendations of the Kothari Commission were:

• The Commission proposed a common school system that would provide equal educational opportunities to all children, regardless of their socio-economic background.
• The Commission recommended free and compulsory education for children up to the age of 14 to ensure universal access to basic education.
• The Commission emphasised the importance of a flexible and balanced curriculum that would promote creativity, critical thinking, and holistic development of students.
• Three language formula of Kothari Commission was suggested. Students in schools should learn three languages: the mother tongue or regional language, the official language of the state, and English.
• Recommended standardization of the educational system based on 10+2+3 pattern throughout the country. The structure of education should be as follows:

1. 10 years of School Education (Class 1-10): This phase covers ten years of compulsory school education, starting from Class 1 to Class 10. It is also known as the “secondary education” stage.
2. 2 years of Higher Secondary Education (Class 11-12): After completing the ten years of basic school education, students enter the higher secondary stage. During these two years, students pursue specialized streams such as science, commerce, or arts.
3. 3 years of Graduation (Bachelor’s Degree – Class 13-15): After successfully completing higher secondary education, students have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. This phase comprises three years of higher education, leading to the completion of an undergraduate degree.

• The Commission recommended maintaining an appropriate teacher-student ratio to ensure personalized attention and effective teaching.
• Commission stressed on women’s education and proposed establishing schools and hostels, especially for them.
• The Kothari Commission recommended improving the quality of teacher education and training to ensure well-qualified and motivated educators.
• Commission emphasised on making the study of science, maths, social and national service an integral part of education, from primary to university education.
• The Commission suggested expanding higher education opportunities, establishing more universities, and promoting research and innovation.
• The Kothari Commission stressed the need to develop technical and professional education institutions to meet the growing demands of various industries.

Kothari Commission, also known as National Education Commission, 1964 was formed under the chairmanship of  Dr. D. S. Kothari with 17 other members on July 14, 1964. It was the ad hoc commission formed by the government of India to comprehensively assess the entire educational system in the country, formulate a comprehensive educational framework, and propose recommendations and policies for the overall development of education in India.