Last Updated:
Last year, in September, Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the Centre is not forcing any language on people and dismissed claims of language imposition as “politically motivated”.
English will be considered in the foreign language category, as per CBSE three language policy. (AI Generated Image)
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to introduce a third language option for Class 6 students starting in the 2026-27 academic session, in addition to two Indian languages. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which mandates that students learn at least two Indian languages and one foreign language. This means, English it will be considered the foreign language. If students choose another foreign language such as French or German, they must also study two Indian languages.
Education falls under the Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution, allowing both the Centre and the states to legislate on educational matters, including language policies in schools.
Constitutional Provisions:
– Article 350A mandates states to provide primary education in the mother tongue for children belonging to linguistic minority groups.
– States are not legally required to implement the three-language formula.
– States such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have opted for a two-language policy, typically involving the regional language and English.
This legal autonomy allows states to accept, modify, or reject central education policies based on regional priorities and cultural sensitivities.
While the Centre promotes linguistic diversity and unity through the policy, states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu assert their constitutional right to shape their own educational frameworks.
When the three-language formula was introduced in 1968, Tamil Nadu rejected it, considering it an attempt to impose Hindi. Under Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, the state adopted a two-language policy involving Tamil and English.
While supporters argue that promotes multilingualism and cultural exchange, critics say it adds academic burden and logistical challenges in terms of resources and trained teachers, and undermines linguistic federalism, where language is central to state identity.
ALSO READ | CBSE Third Language Option For 6th Standard: What The NEP Says About ‘Three-Language Formula’?
What Education Minister Said?
Last year, in September, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the Centre was not forcing any language on people and dismissed claims of language imposition as “politically motivated,” as reported by PTI.
“We are not imposing any language on anybody. For Class 1 and 2, there will be a two-language formula. One will be the mother tongue. Here, it will be Tamil language. The Government of India’s condition is that you have to teach in Tamil in primary school. You can teach another language that is your choice,” he added,
Explaining the three-language policy, he had said from classes 6 to 10, there is a three-language formula which include the mother tongue. The rest two will be the student’s choice. No language will be imposed by the Government of India on any State, he said.
February 27, 2026, 16:36 IST
Read More
