Former UGC Chairperson Endorses CBSE's Multilingual Three-Language Policy
Ex-UGC Chief Supports CBSE’s Three-Language Policy; Calls Multilingualism an Educational Advantage
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M Jagadesh Kumar, the former chairperson of the University Grants Commission, supports CBSE's three-language policy under the National Education Policy 2020, emphasizing that multilingualism enhances educational outcomes for students across India.
- 01M Jagadesh Kumar advocates for the three-language policy, stating it has historical significance in India.
- 02The policy allows students to learn three languages, with at least two being Indian languages.
- 03Classes 6 to 8 will emphasize practical language skills over mastery, focusing on comfort and confidence.
- 04Students can choose a foreign language as their third or additional language under the new scheme.
- 05No board exam will be conducted for the third language, with assessments based on internal evaluations.
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M Jagadesh Kumar, the former chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC), has expressed strong support for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)'s three-language policy, which aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Kumar highlighted that multilingualism is an educational advantage, benefiting students by leveraging India's rich linguistic diversity. The three-language scheme, which mandates that students learn three languages—two of which must be Indian—will focus on practical language skills in Classes 6 to 8, promoting comfort and confidence in language use. Additionally, students will have the option to study a foreign language as their third language or as an additional fourth language. Notably, there will be no Class 10 board exam for the third language, with assessments conducted through internal evaluation. The CBSE has also introduced transitional support measures, including the use of Class 6 textbooks and learning materials in 19 scheduled languages, to facilitate the implementation of this policy. This initiative is set to take effect for Class 9 students starting July 1, 2026, as part of the broader alignment with NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
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The three-language policy is expected to enhance language skills among students, making education more inclusive and accessible.
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