Drama as a catalyst for experiential learning in early education: challenges and prospects under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

Abstract Drama is widely recognized as an experiential pedagogical approach that supports children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and creative development. In India, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes play-based, experiential, and holistic learning in early childhood education, creating renewed relevance for drama as a learning medium. However, the extent to which drama is conceptualized and implemented within early education remains unclear. This study adopts a mixed-methods research design integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative component, which forms the core of the inquiry, includes semi-structured interviews and classroom observations with early childhood educators. A pilot quantitative study using the Drama in Education Awareness Survey and the Playful Drama-Based Pedagogy Awareness Survey provides complementary insights into children’s engagement with drama-based learning. In addition, a qualitative content analysis of the NEP 2020 and related policy documents was conducted. The findings reveal that drama aligns strongly with the experiential and holistic learning vision articulated in the NEP 2020. However, its presence in early childhood curricula is limited and largely implicit. Key challenges include insufficient teacher training, infrastructural limitations, curriculum overload, and the perception of drama primarily as entertainment rather than pedagogy. Despite these constraints, India’s rich theatrical traditions and supportive policy discourse present significant opportunities for integrating drama meaningfully into early education. The study highlights the need for explicit curricular recognition of drama, systematic teacher preparation, and policy-supported implementation strategies. Strengthening drama-based pedagogy can contribute to realizing the NEP 2020’s vision of holistic, experiential learning in early childhood education.