CBSE clarifies schools can adopt mother tongue as the medium of instruction gradually, with no immediate mandate under NEP 2020. Flexibility assured.
Schools across India don’t have to rush into switching to mother tongue or regional languages as the medium of instruction, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has reassured. Amid growing concerns from parents and school leaders, the CBSE has clarified that the change suggested under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will be gradual, not mandatory overnight.
“There is no reason for panic or pressure,” said a senior CBSE official. “We’re fully aligned with NEP 2020 and its goals, but we also understand that implementation needs to be realistic and inclusive. Schools operate in varied environments, and they need time and resources to adapt.”
The NEP 2020 recommends that children, especially in the foundational years (up to Class 5, and ideally till Class 8), should be taught in their mother tongue or regional language wherever possible. The idea is simple: children learn better when taught in the language they speak at home. But the policy itself recognizes that “wherever possible” is key—and CBSE officials are echoing that nuance.
Not One Size Fits All
In a country as linguistically diverse as India, a one-size-fits-all policy is neither practical nor desirable. Urban and private schools, particularly in metro cities, often have classrooms with students from different language backgrounds. English has long functioned as the common medium in such settings.
“Imagine a school in Delhi where children come from Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, and Hindi-speaking homes,” said a CBSE curriculum advisor. “Which mother tongue would you choose as the medium? These are complex questions, and we need flexible answers.”
Instead, CBSE is encouraging schools to adopt bilingual methods or gradually introduce regional language support alongside English or Hindi, so students don’t feel lost or confused.
Resources Still Being Built
One major hurdle in switching to mother tongue instruction is the lack of teaching materials and trained educators in various regional languages. Officials admit that while the vision is inspiring, the groundwork is still being laid.
“We are working with NCERT to prepare textbooks in different Indian languages,” the CBSE official explained. “Teacher training programs are also being designed. But this kind of change takes time—and that’s okay.”
The board also confirmed that there is no deadline or official notification forcing schools to switch to mother tongue instruction anytime soon.
Parents’ Concerns Are Valid
The clarification from CBSE comes at a time when many parents are anxious. With talk of regional language instruction gaining momentum, some fear that their children might suddenly be forced to give up English-medium education.
“Parents shouldn’t worry,” said the official. “We are not removing English or discouraging it. This is not about choosing one language over another—it’s about making learning more accessible in the early years. If your child is comfortable in English, that’s fine too.”
Experts agree that the intention is not to weaken English proficiency, but to build a stronger foundation in the language that children understand best during their formative years.
States Going at Their Own Pace
While some state governments have started rolling out pilot programs using the mother tongue in government schools, CBSE’s approach remains cautious and nationwide in scope. It wants to ensure that any major shift is thoughtful and inclusive.
“There’s no penalty for schools that continue in English or Hindi for now,” the official said. “What matters is that students learn well. When schools are ready, we’ll support them.”
Looking Ahead
CBSE’s stance is likely to ease pressure on school administrators and families alike. While the long-term goal is to promote inclusive, child-friendly education, the immediate focus is on making sure that schools have what they need—trained teachers, appropriate materials, and community readiness—before making any big changes.
The message is clear: change is welcome, but it should come at the right time, and in the right way.
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