No Language Imposition Under NEP; Education Must Be Global Yet Rooted in India: Education Minister

The Minister revealed that from 2026, Class 10 board exams will be held twice a year to reduce academic stress, with CBSE finalising guidelines based on stakeholder feedback.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reaffirmed that the National Education Policy (NEP) does not impose any language and emphasized the need for education to be global while staying rooted in India. He also announced that starting in 2026, Class 10 board exams will be conducted twice a year to ease academic stress, with CBSE finalizing guidelines based on stakeholder feedback. He made these remarks at the Education Conclave organized by India TV Speed News.

Speaking at the session, Pradhan highlighted the transformative vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to integrate global best practices while preserving India’s linguistic and cultural heritage. He reiterated that the NEP prioritises education in mother tongues to enhance comprehension and cognitive development, ensuring a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Addressing recent concerns, he clarified that NEP does not impose any language but rather promotes multilingual education to strengthen critical thinking skills among students. "India has thousands of languages, and all Indian languages are equally important. By not implementing NEP, we are depriving students, teachers, and parents of global opportunities," he stated.

Reflecting on five years of NEP implementation, the Union Education Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic but emphasised that the government had effectively utilised this period to lay a strong foundation. “Previously, early education lacked an institutional framework. With NEP, we have formalised it through Bal Vatika, ensuring holistic development, skill-based learning, and interest-driven education from the foundational years,” he added.

Pradhan also addressed the recently proposed reform of conducting Class 10 board examinations twice a year, set to be introduced from 2026. He underscored that the initiative aligns with NEP 2020’s vision to reduce exam-related stress and provide students with an opportunity to improve their scores. "This reform is widely appreciated, with nearly 99% of people supporting it. It aims to de-stress students and make examinations a tool for learning rather than pressure," he said. He further informed that CBSE has placed the draft guidelines in the public domain and will finalise them based on feedback from stakeholders.

Discussing the role of emerging technologies in education, the Minister highlighted the increasing significance of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital literacy. He emphasised that integrating AI into education is a critical step in preparing students for the future and ensuring that they are equipped with the skills needed to compete globally. "The government is committed to fostering an education system that embraces both hands-on skills and digital proficiency to create well-rounded learners," he noted.

Read More

• Punjab Education Minister Objects to CBSE Board Exam Pattern, Alleges Exclusion of Punjabi; CBSE Says List ‘Tentative’
• CBSE Board Exams to be Held Twice a Year: Education Ministry Reviews Implementation Plan