Right now, English is the main language used for teaching in primary classes at CBSE schools all over the country. The CBSE, which is the largest national school board, has more than 30,000 affiliated schools.
In a move that signals the government’s intention to make teaching in students’ mother tongues a requirement at the primary level in the future, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has instructed all affiliated schools to identify students’ mother tongues “as soon as possible” and adjust their instructional materials accordingly before the summer break wraps up.
In a significant move towards making mother tongue instruction a requirement at the primary level, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has instructed all affiliated schools to start identifying students’ mother tongues “as soon as possible” and adjust their teaching materials accordingly before the summer break wraps up.
Currently, English is the primary language of instruction in CBSE-affiliated primary schools throughout India. With more than 30,000 schools under its umbrella, CBSE stands as the largest national school board in the country.
In a circular issued on May 22, the Board outlined its expectations in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, highlighting the importance of using the home language, mother tongue, or a familiar regional language—collectively known as ‘R1’—as the medium of instruction from pre-primary through Class 2, which is referred to as the ‘foundational stage.’
The circular specifies that while R1 should ideally be the child’s mother tongue, the state language can be utilized if it’s more practical and familiar for the child. For Classes 3 to 5, students can continue learning in R1 or have the option to take on a second instructional language, termed ‘R2.’
Although the circular states that the use of the mother tongue “may begin in July,” it also provides flexibility for schools that need additional time to make the transition, as long as it doesn’t take too long.
This is the first time CBSE has officially signaled a shift towards making mother tongue-based instruction mandatory. Previously, following the NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, the Board had only encouraged the use of the mother tongue through advisory notices.
Here’s the text we’re looking at: Both policy documents strongly support the idea of early education in a child’s home language, particularly for those under eight years old. The NCFSE 2023 emphasizes, “Since children grasp concepts most effectively and profoundly in their home language, the best medium of instruction should ideally be the child’s home language/mother tongue/familiar language.”
Emphasizing multilingual learning during foundational years CBSE
A CBSE official pointed out that students in Classes 1 and 2 mainly learn two languages alongside mathematics. With the new guidelines, even mathematics can now be taught in the mother tongue or a familiar regional language. The circular highlights that the goal at this stage is to help students get comfortable with both R1 and R2, with R2 being introduced gradually.
An official from the Ministry of Education mentioned that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has already made textbooks for Classes 1 and 2 available in 22 Indian languages, and they are working on translating textbooks for higher grades.
To help with this transition, the CBSE has asked schools to set up an ‘NCF implementation committee’ by the end of May. This committee will take charge of mapping students’ mother tongues, aligning instructional materials, and guiding any necessary changes to the curriculum. The circular encourages schools to finish the language mapping as quickly as possible.
“By the end of the summer break, schools should have realigned their curriculum and teaching resources to reflect R1 as the medium of instruction and be ready for the structured introduction of R2 at the right time,” the circular states. It also stresses the importance of training teachers in multilingual teaching methods, classroom strategies, and language-sensitive assessments before the implementation kicks off.
Monthly reporting and monitoring begins July
Starting July, schools will be required to submit monthly progress reports to CBSE. Academic observers may also visit schools to offer support and monitor progress.
While well-resourced schools may find the transition smoother, a CBSE official acknowledged that smaller institutions might need more time and support. Schools that require additional time must indicate a clear timeline, and ensure they have the necessary resources and teacher capacity in place.
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