Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 26: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has clarified that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's three-language policy will be implemented only for students entering Class 6, ensuring that those already studying in Classes 7, 8 and 9 in CBSE schools will not have to change their existing language subjects.
The clarification comes amid confusion over a recent CBSE notification regarding the implementation of the three-language formula.
According to Pradhan, students currently studying in Classes 7 to 9 who have opted for two foreign languages will be allowed to continue with the same combination until they complete their Class 10 board examinations.
He said the earlier CBSE communication had failed to clearly explain how the policy would affect students already studying under the existing system. The ambiguity, he added, would be addressed through a revised notification to be issued after discussions in the CBSE governing council.
Under the NEP 2020, students from Classes 6 to 8 are required to study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages. Pradhan said this system is already followed by most education boards across the country.
He noted that nearly 90 per cent of India's approximately 25 crore school students already study three languages. Except for CBSE and Tamil Nadu, most school boards continue the three-language pattern up to Class 10.
Within the CBSE system, around 99 per cent of students already study two Indian languages, while only about 1.3 per cent opt for two foreign languages. These students, Pradhan said, will not be affected by the revised policy.
Students entering Class 6 this academic year will be required to study three languages, with at least two of them being Indian languages. They may also opt for a fourth language if they wish, and foreign languages will continue to remain available as optional subjects.
The minister said the policy aims to strengthen the use and learning of Indian languages without removing opportunities for students to study foreign languages.
Under the revised framework, languages will be classified into three categories: R1 (First Language), generally the medium of instruction such as English or Hindi; R2 (Second Language), which must differ from R1; and R3 (Third Language), which must be different from both R1 and R2. At least two of these three languages must be Indian languages.
Pradhan also said textbooks in 22 Indian languages would be made available on time and that CBSE would be responsible for ensuring the availability of teachers and other necessary resources for smooth implementation of the policy.