The recent announcement by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan states that students enrolled in Classes 7, 8, and 9 in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools will be permitted to maintain their current foreign language combinations until they complete their Class 10 board examinations. This development alleviates concerns originally raised following the board’s communication mandating the three-language policy from July.

Many parents and schools had expressed worry that long-term students of two foreign languages would be required to drop one in favour of an Indian language. Pradhan’s comments aim to clarify these concerns, as he acknowledged that the earlier announcement had caused confusion among stakeholders.

The Union Minister’s assurance indicates a significant shift in the implementation of the three-language policy, which is not expected to disrupt the educational progress of current students. However, it remains crucial to note that the CBSE has yet to officially confirm this transition through formal communication.

Implementation of the New Language Policy

Pradhan outlined that the stipulated requirement for students to learn two Indian languages under the National Education Policy 2020 will only apply to those entering Class 6 from now onwards. This means that the transition will occur with new batches of students while allowing those currently in Classes 7, 8, and 9 to continue with their selected foreign language combinations up to Class 10.

Students commencing their education in Class 6 will be expected to study three languages, ensuring that at least two of them are Indian languages. This change is intended to gradually incorporate the policy without retroactive implications for students already enrolled in upper classes.

The objective of this framework is to support multilingualism among students, which aligns with broader educational reforms aimed at enhancing language proficiency in Indian languages while still recognising the value of foreign languages in the modern world.

Future Educational Provisions and Resources

To further support students, vocational education is set to receive increased focus. Students in Classes 6 through 8 will be required to complete 110 hours of skill modules each academic year, while integrating a skill subject into the curriculum will become compulsory for Classes 9 and 10.

CBSE officials are currently deliberating the possibility of allowing a foreign language as an alternative to the compulsory vocational subject for students up to Class 10. Although this proposal is under consideration, no definitive decisions have been announced at this time.

As the education community awaits formal confirmation from CBSE regarding these updates, Pradhan’s remarks have provided a measure of reassurance for families, students, and educational institutions amidst ongoing discussions about the future direction of language and vocational education in India.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share