“CBSE Overhauls Primary Language Policy: Big Shift in Foundational Learning!”
CBSE Implements Major Language Policy Shift for Foundational Learning
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant change in language instruction at the foundational level in affiliated schools across India. As per a circular dated May 22, 2025, schools will now use the mother tongue or state language as the primary medium of instruction for students from kindergarten to Class 2. This aligns CBSE institutions with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes learning in the home language to enhance cognitive and emotional development in early childhood.
Key Changes in Language Policy
- Medium of Instruction: The primary language of learning should be the one most familiar to the child, preferably the mother tongue. If that isn’t possible, the state language will be used.
- Implementation Timeline: This transition will begin in July 2025, with monthly progress reports and oversight by academic observers.
- Committee for Implementation: Schools must form a dedicated committee by the end of May 2025 to assess students’ linguistic backgrounds, modify curricula, and choose appropriate learning materials.
- Teacher Training: Educators must complete special multilingual education training by the end of July.
Impact on CBSE Schools in Maharashtra
Traditionally, most CBSE schools in Maharashtra used English as the medium of instruction, with Hindi as the second language. However, starting from the 2025-26 academic year, Marathi will be the primary language, with English or Hindi as the second language.
CBSE city coordinator Rajiv Kumar Garg explained that in Mumbai’s cosmopolitan environment, schools will continue accommodating Hindi alongside the state language. He added that the three-language system, currently applied from Class 1, will now start from the pre-primary section. From Class 3 onwards, students must select a third language.
School Leaders Respond to the New Mandate
Kalpana Dwivedi, principal of Bal Bharati Public School, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, noted that her school had already introduced mother tongue-based instruction in the 2024–25 academic year following the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023. She emphasized that schools must remain flexible, offering Hindi or Marathi based on student needs and family preferences.
Resources & Learning Approach
To support this transition, CBSE has recommended that schools use:
- NCERT’s ‘Jadui Pitara’, a collection of engaging, story-based teaching materials.
- Digital textbooks in multiple languages for enhanced accessibility.
- A play-based and activity-oriented learning approach at the pre-primary level.
Monitoring & Progress Evaluation
CBSE will require schools to submit monthly reports starting July 2025, ensuring smooth implementation. Schools may also receive visits from academic observers to monitor compliance and effectiveness.
This directive represents a major step toward enhancing language learning at the foundational level, aiming to foster better literacy and fluency in students’ home languages.
