"CBSE Encourages Multilingual Education: Indian Languages as Optional Mediums of Instruction"

"Promoting Language Diversity in Education - CBSE's Move Towards a Multilingual Approach"

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has suggested to its schools that they consider using Indian languages as optional mediums of instruction to promote multilingual education. This move aligns with the National Education Policy, 2020, which aims to introduce education in multiple languages.

CBSE's Director (Academic), Joseph Emmanuel, wrote a letter to schools urging them to explore this option. He emphasized that Indian languages listed in Schedule 8 of the Indian Constitution could be used as the medium of instruction from pre-primary classes till class 12, alongside existing options.

To achieve successful multilingual education, schools are encouraged to leverage available resources, seek advice from experts, and collaborate with other schools to share best practices.

Implementing multilingual education comes with challenges, such as finding skilled teachers capable of teaching in multiple languages and creating high-quality multilingual textbooks. Nevertheless, the National Council of Education, Research and Training (NCERT) is taking this task seriously and aims to provide textbooks in 22 scheduled languages for students in the upcoming sessions.

CBSE also highlighted that higher education authorities are already offering education in multiple languages and conducting exams in different languages. This makes it even more crucial for schools to serve as the foundation for multilingual education.

In conclusion, CBSE urges its affiliated schools to play a vital role in promoting multilingual education by offering education through Indian languages, considering the increasing demand for it in higher education. The Ministry of Education has directed NCERT to prepare new textbooks in 22 scheduled Indian languages, and NCERT is committed to completing this task promptly.

Also Read: