A recent change in the CBSE language framework has triggered a nationwide discussion after English was placed under the “foreign languages” category in the revised academic guidelines.
The move has drawn criticism from education experts, state governments, and language specialists, who believe English plays a much bigger role in India than other foreign languages.
The issue has come up as part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and the revised three-language framework.
Why Is the New Classification Being Questioned?
In the revised framework, CBSE has listed English along with languages such as French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish under the foreign languages category.
Critics argue that although English originated outside India, it is now widely used across the country in schools, colleges, government offices, business, science, and higher education.
According to many education experts, calling English a foreign language does not reflect its current importance in India’s education system.
States Have Also Raised Concerns
Some states, including Goa and Puducherry, have reportedly expressed concerns over the new classification.
They point out that English is the primary medium of instruction in many schools and is an essential part of everyday education.
Education stakeholders also fear that the terminology could create confusion for students, parents, and schools while implementing the three-language policy.
Will English Be Removed From Schools?
No. The revised framework does not remove English from the CBSE curriculum.
Students will continue to study English as before, and it will remain an important subject in CBSE-affiliated schools.
The current debate is only about how English has been classified, not about reducing its importance in the education system.
Experts Seek More Clarity From CBSE
Many educationists have urged CBSE to clearly explain why English has been placed under the foreign languages category.
They believe a detailed clarification would help avoid misunderstandings among schools, students, and parents.
Experts also say that any language policy should consider India’s multilingual nature while balancing educational needs and constitutional principles.
What Happens Next?
The issue is expected to remain in focus as CBSE continues implementing the revised language framework under the National Education Policy.
Many stakeholders are likely to seek further clarification from the Board regarding the role of English in the three-language system and whether its classification will remain the same in future curriculum guidelines.
