New Delhi: The students from nursery to Class five in CBSE-affiliated schools will be taught in their regional language or mother tongue, starting this academic year. 

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a circular to all affiliated schools, directing them to implement this change as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP). Schools have been instructed to prepare an implementation plan before the end of the summer vacation.

Over 30,000 CBSE-affiliated schools across the country are conducting their classes in English for all students. The new directive marks a significant shift from this long-standing practice.

One of the key recommendations of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) is that instruction in the foundational stage, from nursery classes to Class 2, should be delivered in the child's mother tongue or in a regional language familiar to them. If this is not feasible, the medium of instruction may be the state's official language. Children may continue learning in their mother tongue or regional language up to Class 5. They will also have the option to study one more language other than their mother tongue or regional language.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has already prepared textbooks for Classes 1 and 2 in 22 languages. The authorities have informed that textbooks for the higher classes are also being translated into various languages to support this transition.

While the board has recommended that the schools begin implementing the change from July, it has given them the flexibility to set their own timelines.

The circular, issued by Dr Pragya M Singh, Director of the CBSE Academic Wing, also directs schools to form dedicated committees to oversee the implementation of the NCF. These committees will be responsible for conducting teaching in the mother tongue and for preparing the necessary learning materials.

The schools, meanwhile, are also required to submit a progress report on the implementation of the initiative by the fifth of every month.

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