It will have to be admitted that 10+2+3 concept of educational structure for our country is not an altogether new idea of the eighth decade of the current century. In fact, this idea originates from the Calcutta University Commission of 1917-19, which had recommended the introduction of matriculation, intermediate and the first degree examinations.

This Commission wanted that the first degree course should be of three years duration. But due to certain factors, the three years degree course could not be introduced. The Radhakrishnan University Commission of 1948-49 has repeated the idea of 10+20+3 pattern contained in the Calcutta University Commission.

The Secondary Education Commission (1952-53) thought over the problem of 10+2+3 educational structure. But it introduced a new pattern of 8+3+3. In other words, the first 8 years of education was termed as junior classes, after this the three year duration was to be of higher secondary and three years for the first degree course. But this structure could not be accepted by the whole country.

At the time of the Kothari Commission (1964-66) in the country there were four patterns of educational structure, viz., 10+2+3,10+2+2,11+3,11-12+1+3. Therefore the Commission emphasized the necessity of introduction of a uniform educational structure of 10+2+3.

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Teachers, students and various educational bodies of the country accepted this pattern and desired that by the end of the Fifth Five Year Ran in the whole country this educational pattern should be adopted.

The Nature of Content of Education:

As we have already remarked earlier the 10+2+3 structure of education is an attempt to introduce a similar pattern of education throughout the whole country. In this educational structure enough scope has been provided to make necessary adjustment according to local requirements. Therefore it will be” wrong to presume that this hew pattern has been an imposition.

During the first ten years of education the study of three languages, mathematics and social science has been made compulsory for each student. History, geography, civics, economics and psychology have been included in the group of social sciences and in the curriculum of science importance has been attached to the study of physics, chemistry and biology.

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The Three Language Formula:

Under the three language formula primary education is to be imparted through the mother tongue of the child. Mother tongue is to be regarded as the first languages. Where the mother tongue is not Hindi, the second language should be Hindi. The third language should be either English or any other foreign language.

The Semester System:

It has been recommended that the various aspects of the curriculum should be split into units in such a manner that each one is related with another in a natural manner. It is after study of one unit that another one will be taken up.

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No Hurry to Finish the Course:

Learning to Improve Behaviour: In this educational structure it is hoped that the teachers and students will not be in hurry to finish the course anyhow. Under this system the process of learning will be so guided that students assimilate the rudiments of the various courses properly and effect improvements in their behaviour accordingly.

The Plus Two Education:

After the first ten years the plus two’ year education will be for those students who want to continue their formal education further. During these ‘plus two year’ education the emphasis will be laid on ‘vocational’ and ‘academic’ courses. Facilities will be available for a student to get himself transferred from one course to another if he feels so inclined.

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The Particular Points to be kept in View:

For a successful implementation of the above 10+2+3 structure we will have to pay adequate attention on the following points:

1. A suitable machinery will have to be evolved for analysing and interpreting the various aspects of the curriculum for the different levels, i.e., ’10’, ‘2’ and ‘3’ levels. This machinery will indicate as to how to make the process of learning practical and more useful to life situations.

2. Necessary changes will have to be introduced in the teachers’ education programme in order that newly trained teachers may be able to meet the requirements of this new/educational structure.

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3. We shall have to be careful for obtaining co-operation from the society we intend to serve. For this purpose, a group of well-trained workers will have to be organized for propagating the view in the society that the school is for the people (or society) and it cannot be successfully run without their co-operation and that parents have to play a vital role in education of their children.

4. The university education system will have to be reorganized in order to make its courses suitable for those students who come for higher education after successfully completing the 10+2 education.