Teaching Competency: Challenges And Opportunities (With Reference To NEP 2020)

Abstract

Teaching competency has emerged as a crucial foundation for improving educational quality in India, especially within the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. As classrooms evolve with digital tools, diverse learners, and new expectations, teachers must demonstrate not only subject mastery but also pedagogical, digital, emotional, and inclusive competencies. This paper explores teaching competency in simple, relatable terms and examines the challenges faced by Indian educators, including inadequate training, heavy administrative workload, digital divides, and exam-oriented pressures. It also highlights opportunities NEP 2020 provides—such as competency-based teaching, digital pedagogy, continuous professional development, inclusive practices, and the use of platforms like DIKSHA and SWAYAM. Practical tips, school-level actions, and real-life examples illustrate how competency can be strengthened even in resource-limited settings. Overall, the paper emphasizes that empowered, digitally literate, and reflective teachers are central to India’s vision of transforming learning outcomes and preparing students for a rapidly changing world. [NCERT, 2021; NEP, 2020