CBSE Three Language Formula 2026: NEP 2020 & Controversy
Context:
Recently, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the mandatory implementation of the ‘three-language formula’ for Class 6 from the academic session 2026–27 in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
What is the Three-Language Formula?
The concept of the three-language formula was first introduced in the National Education Policy of 1968. At present, it has been revived under NEP 2020. Its main provisions are as follows:
- From Class 6 to 10: Students will have to study three languages.
- Primacy of Indian languages: Out of these three, at least two languages must be of Indian origin.
- Flexibility: States and students have the freedom to choose languages, provided they follow the rule of two Indian languages.
Controversy over Three-Language Formula-
South Indian states, especially Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, have strongly opposed this policy. Their arguments are based on the following points:
Two-language vs Three-language policy:
Tamil Nadu has been following a ‘two-language policy’ (Tamil and English) since 1968. According to them, the burden of a third language puts additional mental pressure on students and goes against their regional identity (linguistic pride).
Lack of Reciprocity:
A major reason for the controversy is that while students of non-Hindi-speaking states are often encouraged to learn Hindi as a third language, in Hindi-speaking states (such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar), South Indian languages (like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada) are hardly ever made compulsory. Most schools in North India choose Sanskrit as the third language, due to which the original objective of cultural exchange fails.
Structural Advantage:
Critics argue that this policy gives unfair advantage to Hindi speakers. They only have to learn two main languages (Hindi and English), while non-Hindi speakers are forced to learn a third language (often Hindi) in addition to their mother tongue and English.
Lack of Resources:
Many states argue that there is a severe shortage of teachers and infrastructure in schools to teach South Indian or other regional languages, due to which ultimately students are left with Hindi as the only option.
Constitutional and Federal Framework:
- Article 343: The official language of the Union shall be Hindi (in Devanagari script).
- Article 351: It is the duty of the Central Government to promote the spread of Hindi so that it may serve as a medium of expression of India’s composite culture.
- Right to Education: Education is a subject in the ‘Concurrent List’, which gives both the Centre and the States the power to make laws. However, states believe that the Centre is using financial incentives (such as Samagra Shiksha fund) to forcibly implement its language policies.
Way Forward:
The objective of the Three-Language Formula is to foster national unity and multilingualism; however, adopting a balanced and sensitive approach is essential for its success.
To promote multilingualism, concrete efforts must be undertaken to teach South Indian languages even in Hindi-speaking states, thereby fostering a spirit of reciprocity and cultural exchange.
While respecting the autonomy of the states, the Centre should take into account the linguistic diversity and sensitivities of various states, rather than adhering to a "one-rule-for-all" policy.
Instead of presenting language instruction as a mandatory requirement, it should be promoted as a valuable skill and an opportunity, thereby inspiring students to learn various languages voluntarily and with genuine interest.
Conclusion:
In a diverse nation like India, language is not just a medium of communication but also a symbol of identity. While implementing language policy, the spirit of ‘cooperative federalism’ should be paramount.
