Education system now ‘marks-wadi’, says Pralhad Joshi; calls for experiential learning

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday, October 27, called for a fundamental shift in India’s education system, advocating for the replacement of rote learning with experiential learning. Speaking at the inauguration of the CBSE Experience Centre at the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)’s integrated office complex in Dwarka, New Delhi, Joshi asserted that the current system, along with parents, has become ‘marks-wadi’, prioritising examination scores over deeper understanding.

The minister’s remarks stress the government’s push, outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, to promote practical and complete learning approaches. This initiative aims to prepare students for the evolving demands of the global workforce, particularly in technology, manufacturing, and innovation sectors.

Addressing the ‘Marks-Wadi’ Mindset

During his address, Pralhad Joshi highlighted the detrimental effects of an education system focused predominantly on examination scores. He noted that a significant portion of a student’s time is dedicated to memorisation and strategising for marks, a pressure often reinforced by parents.

Joshi stated, “Much of a student’s time goes into memorising and planning how to score marks. Parents, too, often feel the marks must be scored somehow. I often say that people have become a different kind of ‘marks-wadi’. The ideology is another matter, but the mindset has taken hold of nearly every parent.” He further elaborated on the consequences, explaining, “The cost is that a child’s understanding, learning capacity and interests go unexamined. The pressure to score also leaves students short on confidence… knowledge that stays in books and cannot be applied when needed serves little purpose. This is the thinking behind the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.”

The CBSE Experience Centre and Experiential Learning

The inauguration of the CBSE Experience Centre is a tangible step towards implementing the NEP 2020’s vision for experiential learning. Spread across 6,000 square feet, the centre is designed to offer interactive and practical learning opportunities for students.

The facility houses 12 broad zones and 21 exhibits, connecting ancient traditions with modern learning and new career opportunities. Interactive displays cover scientific concepts, the history of the Earth, and future professions. Dedicated exhibits such as Career Explorer, Future of Professions, and Magic Mirror: Future You are specifically designed to help students explore potential career paths. The centre also incorporates RFID-enabled smart cards for visitors to interact with exhibits and receive personalised takeaways. A special section within the centre tracks the rise of CBSE through historical photographs and archival material, including records from 1935.

Government Initiatives for Innovation

Beyond the CBSE Experience Centre, the government is expanding its efforts to foster innovation and practical skills among students. A key initiative in this regard is the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs across the country.

Currently, 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs are operational, providing students with access to tools and resources for hands-on learning and innovation. The government has further decided to establish 50,000 additional Atal Tinkering Labs, significantly expanding the reach of these facilities. These labs are intended to complement the experiential learning advocated by the NEP 2020, preparing students for the evolving demands of the global workforce in technology, manufacturing, and innovation.

Further reading

• Karnataka permits LKG, UKG classes in 581 government schools for 2026-27
• Anganwadi Recruitment 2026 applications ongoing: apply by October 21 for Kaushambi UP
• GUJCET/JEE Main 2026: Apply for Gujarat Chemical Engineering by May 1
• Apply for Gujarat 2026 B-Tech via JEE Main/Advanced or GUJCET, then ACPC counseling

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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