CBSE Students Can Now Learn in 22 Languages Including Odia: Education Minister

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced a significant change in the educational landscape of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools nationwide. In a recent development, 22 languages, including Odia, will now serve as mediums of instruction in these schools. Prior to this decision, only English and Hindi were used as mediums of instruction.

This transformative move comes as a result of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). According to Pradhan, the CBSE issued a circular on Friday, permitting the use of various languages as mediums of instruction from classes 1 to 12. The objective behind this change is to promote the understanding and comprehension of subjects among students by allowing them to learn in their mother tongue.

Pradhan emphasized that students tend to grasp concepts better when taught in their native language as opposed to Hindi or English. Recognizing the importance of this linguistic diversity in the educational system, schools are now mandated to facilitate the provision of education in these languages. To support this initiative, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been directed to prepare textbooks in the respective languages.

Moreover, to ensure a seamless transition, arrangements will be made to conduct examinations in these newly introduced languages. Pradhan took to Twitter to reiterate that the NEP values all Indian languages, and believes that learning in one's mother tongue will enhance students' comprehension and clarity in all subjects. With this progressive step, the government aims to foster an inclusive and accessible education system that caters to the diverse linguistic needs of students across the country.