Mother tongue first: CBSE directs schools to implement NCF language guidelines, start mapping languages

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a directive to all affiliated schools to adopt the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 language guidelines, beginning with the 2025–26 academic session. This move emphasizes the importance of mother tongue-based education, aiming to enhance students' learning experiences by grounding them in their native languages. The implementation aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for multilingual education and recognizes the cognitive benefits of learning in one's first language. Schools are now tasked with mapping the linguistic diversity among their student populations to tailor educational approaches accordingly. This initiative will involve identifying the various mother tongues spoken by students and incorporating them into the curriculum. By doing so, CBSE hopes to foster a more inclusive and effective learning environment, where students can connect more deeply with their cultural heritage and improve their overall academic performance. The introduction of these guidelines marks a significant shift in India's educational landscape, potentially setting a precedent for other educational boards in the country. As schools prepare for this transition, they are encouraged to develop resources and training programs for teachers to facilitate this multilingual approach. By prioritizing the mother tongue, CBSE aims to nurture a generation of students who are not only proficient in multiple languages but also possess a strong sense of identity and cultural understanding.

— Authored by Next24 Live