Paper: GS – II, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Social Sector – Education, Issue: Implementation of the Three-Language Formula under NEP 2020.
Context:
The Central Board of Secondary Education’s decision to implement the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 three-language formula from Class 6 has created confusion in many schools. Students have been asked to discontinue foreign languages such as French and German and shift to an Indian language, often Sanskrit. This has disrupted curricula, affected teachers and triggered concerns among parents, States and foreign embassies.
Key Takeaways:
Background:
- The three-language formula, first introduced in the 1968 education policy, aims to promote multilingualism, national integration and knowledge of Indian languages.
- NEP 2020 states that students should learn three languages, of which at least two must be native to India. It also says that no particular language should be imposed.
- Traditionally, Hindi-speaking States taught Hindi, English and another Indian language, while non-Hindi States generally taught the regional language, Hindi and English.
- Tamil Nadu follows a **two-language policy—Tamil and English—**and has consistently opposed compulsory Hindi or any centrally designed three-language arrangement.
- Many private and CBSE schools previously allowed French, German or Arabic as the third language, sometimes beginning from Classes 4 or 5.
Explanation:
What Changed?
- For the 2026–27 academic year, CBSE schools were directed to implement the revised formula from Class 6.
- Since English and Hindi alone do not satisfy the requirement of two Indian languages in many schools, students must select another Indian language.
- Most schools have chosen Sanskrit because teachers and textbooks are more readily available.
- Students who had already studied French or German for several years were suddenly asked to change languages.
Temporary Relaxation:
- After parents approached the Supreme Court and schools raised objections, the Union government relaxed the rule for existing students in Classes 7, 8 and 9.
- These students may continue studying their chosen foreign language but must also study another Indian language.
- However, students entering Class 6 remain subject to the new arrangement. Foreign-language teaching may therefore gradually decline in CBSE schools.
Major Concerns:
- Educational disruption: Sudden changes interrupt learning continuity and force students to begin a new language from the basic level.
- Loss of employment: Some schools have dismissed or reassigned French and German teachers.
- Limited real choice: Although NEP promises flexibility, the absence of teachers means Sanskrit often becomes the only practical option.
- Regional diversity: In Nagaland and other linguistically diverse regions, schools argue that local and tribal languages are more relevant than Sanskrit.
- Federal tension: Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala and other States have different language policies and resist centrally imposed uniformity.
- Infrastructure shortage: According to the article, only 61.6% of Indian schools teach three languages. Many lack trained teachers and textbooks in regional languages.
- Foreign-language opportunities: Around 4.5 lakh students reportedly study French and nearly 1.5 lakh study German. These languages support higher education, migration, employment and diplomatic relations.
Way Forward:
- Implement the policy gradually without changing languages in the middle of an academic programme.
- Allow students already studying a language to continue until completion.
- Permit foreign languages as an elective or fourth language.
- Recruit teachers and develop textbooks for regional, tribal and classical languages.
- Give States and schools flexibility according to local linguistic conditions.
Conclusion:
The three-language formula seeks to strengthen multilingual education and Indian languages. However, multilingualism should expand students’ choices rather than replace one form of compulsion with another. Successful implementation requires flexibility, trained teachers and respect for India’s linguistic diversity.
Source: (The Indian Express, The Hindu)
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2026 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040