Learning beyond the Classroom: A Study of the School Level Implementation of 10 Bagless Days under NEP 2020
Acceptance: 04/02/2026
Published: 25/03/2026
Abstract
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduces 10 bagless days as a transformative initiative to promote experiential, skill-based, and learner-centred education within Indian schools. Despite its policy significance, limited empirical evidence exists regarding its implementation at the school level. The present study aims to examine the planning, execution, and perceived outcomes of bagless day activities, with a particular focus on teachers’ experiences and challenges in translating policy into practice. A qualitative exploratory research design was employed, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five secondary school teachers (n = 5) actively involved in organising bagless day programmes. The data were analysed using thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step framework. The findings reveal that 10 bagless days facilitate diverse experiential learning opportunities, including vocational activities, creative tasks, environmental initiatives, and community-based engagements, which contribute to enhancing students’ creativity, confidence, collaboration, and practical competencies. Teachers reported that the initiative fosters a more engaging and stress-free learning environment while promoting respect for the dignity of labour and early career awareness. However, the study also identifies key implementation challenges, including time constraints, limited resources, insufficient teacher training, and logistical complexities in coordinating experiential activities. The study highlights the critical role of institutional planning, teacher collaboration, and community participation in the effective implementation of bagless days. It concludes that while the initiative holds significant potential for advancing the experiential learning vision of NEP 2020, its success depends on sustained systemic support and capacity-building efforts. The study contributes to the limited empirical literature on experiential learning reforms in India and offers insights for strengthening policy implementation at the school level.
Keynote: Bagless days, Experiential learning, National education policy 2020, Skill-based education, Vocational learning, Holistic student development, Activity-based learning
Author Name:
Singh, Siddhi ; Sharma, Dr. Sonal
Pages:
366-382
DOI Number:
10.5281/zenodo.19211414
Reference
• Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
• CBSE, (2024, September 24). Notification on implementation of 10 bagless days. Noticebard.com. Retrieved on March 29, 2025, From https://school.noticebard.com/boards/cbse/cbse-notification-10-bagless-days
• Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
• Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. Macmillan.
• Fullan, M. (2016). The new meaning of educational change (5th ed.). New York: Teachers College Press.
• GoI. (1934). Sapru Committee Report on Vocational Education. https://dn710300.ca.archive.org/0/items/dli.csl.1900/1900_text.pdf
• GoI. (2023). NCERT highlights implementation of NEP 2020 on its fourth anniversary. Ministry of Education, Government of India. https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/document-reports/MoE_AR_En.pdf
• Gupta, S., & Verma, M. (2022). Academic burden and student well-being: Re-evaluating curriculum practices in Indian schools. Journal of Educational Psychology and Development, 42(2), 116–128.
• Israel, M., & Hay, I. (2006). Research ethics for social scientists. SAGE Publications.
• Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice-Hall.
• Kothari Commission. (1966). Education and national development: Report of the education commission 1964-66. Government of India. https://ia801307.us.archive.org/16/items/ReportOfTheEducationCommission1964-66D.S.KothariReport/48.Jp-ReportOfTheEducationCommission1964-66d.s.kothari.pdf
• Kumar, K. (2018). Education, conflict and development: Insights from Indian history. Orient BlackSwan.
• Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2015). Interviews: Learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
• Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage Publications.
• Mehrotra, S. (2014). India’s skills challenge: Reforming vocational education and training to harness the demographic dividend. Oxford University Press.
• Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2016). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
• MHRD. (1953). Report of the secondary education commission. Ministry of Education, Government of India. https://www.educationforallinindia.com/1953%20Secondary_Education_Commission_Report.pdf
• MHRD. (1986). National policy on education. Ministry of Human Resource Development. https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/upload_document/npe.pdf
• Ministry of Education. (2020). National education policy 2020. Government of India. https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf
• MSDE. (2015). National Policy for skill development and entrepreneurship. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.
https://www.msde.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/02/National-Policy-on-Skill-Development-and-Entreprenurship-Final-1.pdf
• National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). (2014). Employment and unemployment survey: 68th Round. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
• NCERT. (2005). Education in India: Historical perspectives. National Council of Educational Research and Training. https://ncert.nic.in/pdf/nc-framework/nf2005-english.pdf
• NCERT. (2024). Guidelines for implementation of 10 bagless days in schools. National Council of Educational Research and Training.
https://www.psscive.ac.in/storage/uploads/others/Guideline/pdf/english/guideline-for10Baglessdays-in-School%20in%20English.pdf
• NCFSE, (2023). National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.Ministry of Education. From https://ncf.ncert.gov.in/webadmin/assets/b27f04eb-65af-467f-af12-105275251546
• NSDC. (2009). National skill development policy. National Skill Development Corporation. https://www.msde.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/02/National-Skill-Development-Policy-March-09.pdf
• Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
• PSSCIVE. (2020). Guidelines on implementation of vocational education under NEP 2020. NCERT. https://www.psscive.ac.in/storage/uploads/documents/1754382865_Handbook%20for%20the%20Implementation%20of%20Vocational%20Education%20at%20the%20Middle%20Stage.pdf
• PSSCIVE. (2022). Framework for vocational education in schools. Bhopal: PSSCIVE-NCERT. https://www.psscive.ac.in/storage/uploads/documents/1753783714_Handbook%20for%20Key%20Functionaries%20on%20Vocational%20Education%20(with%20Reference%20to%20NEP%202020%20and%20NCF-SE%202023).pdf
• PSSCIVE. (2024). Guidelines for 10 bagless days in school. Bhopal: PSSCIVE-NCERT. Retrieved from https://www.psscive.ac.in/storage/uploads/others/Guideline/pdf/english/guideline-for10Baglessdays-in-School%20in%20English.pdf
• PTI. (2024, January 15). ‘10 bagless days’ initiative to be expanded under NEP 2020. Press Trust of India. Retrieved from https://www.ptinews.com
• Raina, P. (2019). Rethinking childhood and learning: An Indian perspective. International Review of Education, 65(4), 563-580.
• Sethy, R., (2021), Perception of teacher on 10 days bagless period for school students of Chilika block, An International Journal of Educational Technology,11(2),129-133.
• Sharma, S., & Mehta, R. (2023). Towards skill-integrated learning: A study on implementation of NEP 2020 in middle schools. Journal of Education and Society, 15(2), 44–58.
• Singh, S., Sharma, S. & Pandey, R. (2025). From Policy to Practice: A Systematic Review on the Implementation of Ten Bagless Days in accordance with NEP 2020. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 6(10). 5258-5265. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.06.1025.3769
• UNESCO. (2021). Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education. UNESCO. https://doi.org/10.54675/ASRB4722
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
• Yashpal Committee. (1993). Learning without burden. Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. https://cprindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Yashpal-Committee-Learning-without-Burden-Report-of-the-National-Advisory-Committee.pdf
Writer Name
Singh, Siddhi ; Sharma, Dr. Sonal
Pages
366-382
DOI Numbers
10.5281/zenodo.19211414
Our Social Networks
AD EDUXIAN Publication is dedicated to advancing educational research and providing innovative learning solutions. We offer a wide range of services including publishing, editing, design, and marketing to support authors and researchers in their academic and professional endeavors.
Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.