In a landmark decision, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated that all affiliated schools use the mother tongue as the medium of instruction from pre-primary to Class 5.
This announcement aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and emphasizes the critical role of language in a child’s foundational learning years.
With the keyword CBSE Mandates Mother Tongue making headlines, this shift could reshape India’s early education landscape.
Introduction to the CBSE Mandates Mother Tongue
What the New Mandate Means
The CBSE’s directive calls for schools to teach foundational subjects in a child’s mother tongue, local, or regional language until Class 5. This means textbooks, classroom instructions, and even assessments are to be delivered in the language that the child understands best. The aim is to create a comfortable learning environment that fosters better understanding and retention of concepts.
The Policy’s Connection with NEP 2020
This move directly reflects the National Education Policy 2020, which recommended education in the home language wherever possible up to Grade 5—and preferably up to Grade 8. The CBSE Mandates Mother Tongue is now translating that vision into actionable policy, encouraging inclusivity and cognitive development through linguistic familiarity.
Why the Focus on Mother Tongue?
Cognitive and Emotional Benefits
Language is not just a tool for communication—it’s a medium for thought. Children learn concepts more easily when taught in a language they use at home. Research shows that students grasp mathematical, scientific, and social concepts better when taught in their mother tongue. It also boosts confidence, emotional security, and participation in class.
Cultural and Identity Preservation
Language is deeply tied to culture and identity. When children learn in their mother tongue, they stay connected to their roots. This policy promotes respect for India’s vast linguistic diversity and empowers children by validating their linguistic heritage in the classroom.
Implementation Guidelines for Schools
How Schools Will Integrate Mother Tongue Instruction
Schools will need to adopt local or regional languages as the primary medium of instruction, with gradual phasing in for existing curricula. CBSE Mandates Mother Tongue has urged schools to identify the dominant mother tongue among students and design lessons accordingly. Bilingual teaching might be used as a bridge in linguistically diverse classrooms.
Teacher Training and Curriculum Adjustments
Teachers will undergo training programs to effectively teach in local languages. CBSE Mandates Mother Tongue will also issue revised syllabi, books, and digital content in various mother tongues. This step ensures the quality and consistency of education across the board.
Age-Wise Breakdown of Language Use
Pre-Primary and Primary Grades
From nursery through Class 5, the use of the mother tongue is encouraged in day-to-day instructions, storytelling, basic math, and interactive sessions. The idea is to make learning intuitive and relatable during the formative years.
Role of Regional Languages
In multi-ethnic areas, schools can use dominant regional languages while allowing some flexibility for multilingual support. Bilingual materials—using the mother tongue alongside Hindi or English—may be employed to ease transitions.
Challenges Schools Might Face
Multilingual Classrooms and Resource Gaps
India is a linguistically diverse country, and even a single classroom may have children from multiple linguistic backgrounds. Identifying one mother tongue for instruction may prove difficult. Moreover, the lack of textbooks and trained teachers in some languages poses significant logistical hurdles.
Urban vs Rural Language Variance
Urban schools, especially private ones, often emphasize English as a status symbol. Convincing parents to accept a mother tongue-based curriculum may be harder here than in rural areas, where regional languages dominate.
Parental and Community Reactions
Support from Language Advocates
Language activists and educators have hailed the move as a progressive step toward child-friendly education. They argue that this change will reduce learning pressure on young children and promote equitable learning environments.
Concerns from Parents in English-Medium Contexts
However, some urban parents worry their children will lag behind in English proficiency, potentially affecting future academic competitiveness. CBSE Mandates Mother Tongue has clarified that English will still be taught as a subject to maintain balanced language development.
