Former UGC chief backs CBSE's three-language scheme, cites benefits of multilingualism

CBSE mandatory three-language scheme for Class 9 students, set to take effect from July 1, 2026, has received strong endorsement from former UGC chief M Jagadesh Kumar. This directive, requiring students to study at least two native Indian languages, marks a decisive step towards embedding multilingualism under the National Education Policy 2020, aiming to reshape linguistic proficiency for millions. Kumar's backing emphasizes the policy's educational advantages and its alignment with India's diverse linguistic fabric. The policy, rooted in the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, is not merely a linguistic mandate but a strategic push to enhance cognitive development and cultural integration. Kumar highlights that children learn best when primary education begins in a known language before additional languages, including foreign ones as R3 or an optional fourth, are introduced gradually from Class VI to VIII, focusing on functional use. This aligns with broader efforts to decolonize educational frameworks while preparing students for a globally interconnected world, referencing a lengthy policy history in India. As schools nationwide prepare for the July 1 deadline, the focus shifts to infrastructure readiness, teacher training for diverse linguistic instruction, and potential state-level adaptations. The internal assessment for the third language in Class X aims to reduce pressure, but the longer-term implications for students' career choices and India's linguistic landscape will be closely watched. This ambitious rollout represents a major test of India's capacity to implement complex, nationwide educational reforms.