In a landmark decision, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated that all schools under its board make mother tongue education compulsory up to Class 5. Under the new guidelines, children joining school should receive instruction in their mother tongue at least until Class 2. If this is not feasible, the state language can be used as the medium of instruction. Parents can then choose to continue the same medium from Class 2 to 5 or switch to a different language.

With over 28,000 schools operating under the CBSE, this move represents a significant step toward reinforcing foundational learning in a language familiar to the child. Educationists have welcomed the announcement that NCERT textbooks for mother tongue instruction up to Class 2 are now ready, while books for Classes 3 to 5 are in preparation.

While some teachers have raised concerns about the practical challenges of allocating classes and appointing teachers for different mother tongues, it is expected that such issues will be addressed over time.

Why Mother Tongue Matters

Primary education delivered in a child's mother tongue enhances comprehension and learning. Although children can learn foreign languages at any age, the mother tongue provides the foundation for effective communication and understanding. For instance, children often absorb devotional songs or stories from their mothers even before they fully understand the words—similarly, learning complex subjects becomes more meaningful when taught in a familiar language.

Research shows that learning subjects such as mathematics, science, and social studies in a language other than the mother tongue can lead to rote memorization rather than true understanding. This gap may contribute to learning difficulties and a weaker grasp of concepts. Language plays a critical role in learning, and a child's ability to acquire knowledge, process information, and teach others is strongly linked to the language of instruction.

The primary years, typically between ages 6 and 10, are crucial for cognitive and educational development. Instruction in the mother tongue during this period ensures that children gain a strong conceptual foundation, which supports their learning in secondary school and beyond. The skills acquired in early years, when built on a strong linguistic base, help students excel academically throughout their education.

Parents are encouraged to understand the benefits of mother tongue education, as it not only strengthens comprehension but also ensures that knowledge gained from school is meaningful, lasting, and fully integrated.