Nein! Indian school students forced to drop foreign languages amid govt’s native language push

A recent directive from India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has sparked considerable debate, mandating that two of the three languages students must study in CBSE-affiliated schools be native to India. This policy, intended to foster "cultural understanding and national integration," has led to the removal of foreign languages such as Spanish, German, and French from the standard curriculum, with English retaining its place as the sole non-native language option due to its official status and role as a medium of instruction.

While India boasts immense linguistic diversity with around 780 languages, the move has drawn criticism for limiting students' educational choices and potentially hindering their access to a global perspective. The policy, being implemented in phases starting with sixth graders in 2026, allows for regional variations in language choices, but practical constraints like teacher availability and student quorum often favor widely spoken languages like Hindi and Sanskrit, particularly in North India.

Critics question whether the emphasis on Hindi and Sanskrit truly serves the goal of national integration, especially when other vibrant Indian languages could be offered. Concerns are also raised about the government's perceived prioritization of Hindi and Sanskrit over other regional languages, potentially overlooking the rich linguistic heritage of the nation and limiting students' opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world. The abrupt end to learning Spanish for a 10-year-old student in Delhi exemplifies the immediate impact of this policy shift.

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I was very excited to learn Spanish.