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India Today
15 minutes ago
- General
- India Today
How are CBSE schools adapting to the new language policy mandate?
The idea that a child learns best in the language they first speak is gaining traction and policy support. As part of the National Education Policy (NEP), schools have been urged to adopt mother tongue-based instruction in the foundational years. This has prompted an immediate response from many leading institutions across India, not just in policy but in pedagogy.'Schools have started using the mother tongue as a medium in classroom instruction,' said Harish Sanduja, Director Schools and IT at Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions. 'Books, story material, and audio-visual aids in local languages are being introduced. Teachers are undergoing orientation, and bilingual learning tools are being created to support students in the shift.'advertisementIn a similar effort, Sanamdeep Chadha, Director of Genesis Global School, shared that her school has initiated a phased implementation, beginning from KG to Class 2. 'Our first step was tracing the language background of our students. We're recruiting teachers proficient in these languages and rolling out pilot classes before scaling up.'HUMAN CAPITAL CHALLENGE One of the most immediate hurdles schools face is staffing, finding educators fluent in regional languages and trained in modern pedagogy.'Recruiting teachers for multiple regional languages is one massive undertaking,' said Dr. Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh. 'For now, we'll wait for further CBSE instructions and upskill the existing staff using digital tools and language proficiency incentives.'Genesis Global is taking a community-integrated route. 'We're working with local training centres to create short-term certification programs and bringing in retired teachers and community members,' said Chadha. 'This adds authenticity to language inputs in the classroom.'Meanwhile, in states like Uttar Pradesh, where Hindi dominates, the challenge is relatively muted. 'We do not face significant difficulty in teacher recruitment,' noted Sanduja. 'Routine training sessions, digital tools, and collaboration with language specialists are helping us gear up.'MANAGING THE MULTILINGUAL MOSAICIndia's diversity doesn't end in culture. The classrooms are multilingual by default. Balancing various mother tongues while ensuring comprehension is no small feat.'At our school, a multilingual classroom model is adopted, where the dominant mother tongue is used alongside English,' said Aditi Misra, Director at DPS 45 Gurgaon and School Director at Dharav High School. 'Visual aids, in-house worksheets, art integration, and peer support systems are part of our daily learning process.'Genesis Global takes a slightly different route. 'We are creating adaptive groupings by sharing language and linking instruction in the mother tongue to Hindi or English,' said Chadha. 'Peer-learning and experience-based strategies cross linguistic boundaries and foster understanding.'Sanduja adds that simple tools—like pictorial instructions and grouping by dialect can make inclusion natural. 'Teachers are already sensitive to linguistic differences and respect them.'BRINGING PARENTS ALONG No transition is complete without family buy-in. Schools are working hard to help parents understand and support this language-first guest speaker programs, and cultural shows with 100% participation help us build partnerships with parents,' Misra explained. 'We'll now include research on cognitive benefits of mother tongue learning in newsletters, and co-create language-rich resources with the community.'At Genesis Global, the approach is participative. 'We conduct orientations and expose parents to global success stories,' Chadha said. 'Parents are even encouraged to serve as resource persons in the Preparatory and Foundational stages.''Folk songs and home tasks help promote solid home-school collaboration,' said THE WAY WE ASSESSWith learning in a new medium, the methods of assessment must evolve too.'In the early years, we place greater emphasis on oral expression and concept comprehension,' said Misra. 'For transfer students, flexible evaluation parameters help during the transitional phase.'Sanduja supports the idea of oral assessments. 'Teachers use diagnostic tools and even cultural events for informal assessments,' he Global is prioritising formative tools. 'We're giving importance to oral, visual, and activity-based assessments. For transfer students, we create bespoke language transition profiles,' said CHILD LEFT BEHINDUnderstanding that not all students will instantly adapt, schools are putting in place remedial measures.'At our school, we offer remedial sessions, buddy support, and supplementary material,' said Misra. 'Teachers are trained to use bilingual strategies in mixed-language classrooms.'advertisementGenesis Global has also planned after-school and weekend language sessions. 'We're introducing bridging modules in the first term, using AV tools, peer mentoring, and teacher-led support groups,' said mentioned summer camps and individualised support as key tools. 'Visual aids and narration help students cross linguistic barriers,' he CURRICULUM CONUNDRUMSwitching the language of instruction affects content too.'Curricular content must be localised, simplified, and made contextually relevant,' said Misra. 'We develop in-house material in collaboration with teachers.'Genesis Global is working with curriculum experts to maintain intellectual depth. 'We are translating NCERT-based content and using culturally relevant examples,' Chadha schools are bringing folk stories and cultural components into subjects like Social Science. 'Charts and e-resources are being modified into the mother tongue,' said Vs MOTHER TONGUEWhile the mother tongue is important in early learning, English still holds sway in higher grades and competitive exams.'Education is globalised today, and English matters,' said Misra. 'We need to ensure a smooth transition to English in higher grades to meet student and parent aspirations.'Genesis Global is introducing Hindi and English gradually from Grade 2 or 3. 'Language labs and bridge courses help prepare students for national boards,' Chadha Jaipuria schools, bilingual instruction is introduced in middle school. 'By high school, students are equipped for English-medium assessments,' Sanduja SCHOOLS NEEDAll educators agreed that government and board-level support is non-negotiable.'We look forward to systematic support—textbooks, digital content, and teacher training modules,' said urged early availability of quality textbooks in local languages, teacher grants, and policy clarity.'Support in the form of regional E-content, assessment guidelines, and training resources is essential,' echoed schools are steadily stepping into a multilingual future. This shift isn't just about changing the medium of instruction—it's about respecting identities, boosting comprehension, and setting the stage for inclusive learning. As these educators show, success lies in partnership, patience, and persistent innovation. - EndsMust Watch
Time of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Uttarakhand tasks NCERT with including Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana in school syllabus: State Education minister
Uttarakhand Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat on Wednesday said that the state government has asked the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to include the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana in the syllabus of 17,000 government schools. "In a meeting of the Education department with the Chief Minister, we have tasked NCERT to include Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana in the syllabus to be taught in 17,000 government schools of Uttarakhand," Rawat told ANI. He added that until the new syllabus is introduced, students will recite verses from these texts during daily prayer sessions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Urban Ascent by Emaar- 4 BHK Homes Starting at ₹ 5.25Cr* Emaar India Get Quote Undo "Until this is implemented, verses from the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana will be included in the daily prayer meetings in schools," he further added. Earlier on July 15, NCERT released a new textbook titled Veena, which has been developed in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The book aims to connect students with India's scientific achievements as well as its civilisational heritage. Live Events One of the chapters, Ganga ki Kahani, follows the journey of the Ganga from Gomukh to Gangasagar, covering cities such as Haridwar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Patna, Kanpur, and Kolkata. It blends geography with cultural, spiritual, and economic insights, featuring stories of ashrams, sadhus, and the Kumbh Mela. Another chapter, AI, introduces students to Artificial Intelligence, explaining how machines learn and solve problems like humans. It is designed to encourage scientific thinking in middle school students. The Gaganyaan chapter highlights India's human spaceflight mission, describing ISRO's ambitions and the role of the humanoid robot Vyommitra. Moral and civic values are also featured. The chapter Nyay Ki Kursi explores the ideas of justice and fairness using historical figures like Raja Bhoj and Vikramaditya, while Haathi aur Cheenti teaches road safety through an animal story. Other topics in the book include Kaziranga National Park, Ajanta and Ellora caves, natural colour making, and Paralympic champion Murlikant Petkar. NCERT has started rolling out the updated textbooks for several classes. While some books have already been released, others are expected by the end of the year.
India Today
an hour ago
- Business
- India Today
Extracurricular or extra-charge? What schools aren't telling you
Delhi-based Ritu Mehra was thrilled when her son's school introduced a new after-school "Leadership Through Theatre" programme. That excitement quickly turned into disbelief when she saw the fee rs. 25,000 for a 12-week course. "The only thing he enjoyed," she laughs wryly, "was the snacks."Across India's Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, a quiet revolution is underway, and it's hitting parents squarely in the pocket. From "Coding for Kids" and "Young CEO Bootcamps" to "Olympiad Crash Courses" and "MUN Coaching," extracurricular activities (ECAs) have become a booming industry inside schools. But are they helping students grow or just padding already bloated school bills?advertisementTHE PRICE OF PARTICIPATIONIndia's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 strongly encourages holistic development. But in practice, most ECAs are outsourced to third-party vendors, and access is limited to those who can afford to COST OF ECAS IN PRIVATE URBAN SCHOOLS:Coding classes (8 weeks): rs. 15,000- rs. 20,000 MUN participation/coaching: rs.5,000 - rs. 12,000Music or dance clubs: rs. 6,000- rs.15,000 per termOlympiad preparation: rs. 8,000-rs. 25,000 annuallyAnd that's apart from regular school fees, uniforms, books, and transport which already run into lakhs per year. "I paid rs. 18,000 for an annual music class my son's only takeaway was that he liked the snacks served after class." Parent, MumbaiRESUME PADDING, NOT SKILL BUILDING?The push for ECAs is often driven by a desire to build a "well-rounded profile" for university admissions. But experts warn that doing too many superficial activities can lead to burnout without real learning. "We're seeing a disturbing trend of quantity over quality kids juggling five clubs but mastering none," says Sangeeta Menon, an education consultant based in Bengaluru. "Colleges abroad can spot this quickly."In many cases, these ECAs lack qualified mentors, follow no structured curriculum, and are treated as box-ticking VS THE WORLD: THE ECA GAP A look at how India compares with other countries shows a major disparity - not just in cost, but also in approach and outcomes. "In the US, my daughter joined the school orchestra for free. In India, every activity is a business model," says Shruti Verma, an NRI parent who recently moved back to India."Extra-curriculars are important, but commodification kills their essence. They must be inclusive, not elite," says Dr. Samina Qureshi, a child psychologist and education ALL BAD WHEN DONE RIGHTThat said, when pursued with depth and consistency, ECAs can shape critical life skills: leadership, creativity, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Students who have competed in Olympiads over several years or taken part in MUNs consistently often emerge with stronger communication and analytical these outcomes require time, interest, and a supportive system not a pay-per-class DO WE GO FROM HERE?advertisementExperts suggest a few simple reforms to stop ECAs from becoming exclusive:Schools should integrate ECAs into the regular timetable, not treat them as expensive outsourcing, and train in-house teachers for clubs and skill-based depth over variety - let students explore fewer activities with more fee caps or government guidelines for ECAs, especially in CBSE/ICSE-affiliated schools.A SYSTEM NEEDING BALANCEIndia's booming ECA market reflects ambition from schools, parents, and students alike. But ambition without equity creates exclusion. And extracurriculars without heart become just another financial burden. As schools push the boundaries of learning, the question remains: Are we nurturing talent or just billing it? - Ends
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Uttarakhand Education Minister says NCERT directed to include Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana in syllabus
Uttarakhand Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat on Wednesday said that the state government has asked the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to include the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana in the syllabus of 17,000 government schools. "In a meeting of the Education department with the Chief Minister, we have tasked NCERT to include Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana in the syllabus to be taught in 17,000 government schools of Uttarakhand," Rawat told ANI. He added that until the new syllabus is introduced, students will recite verses from these texts during daily prayer sessions." Earlier on July 15, NCERT released a new textbook titled Veena, which has been developed in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The book aims to connect students with India's scientific achievements as well as its civilisational heritage. One of the chapters, Ganga ki Kahani, follows the journey of the Ganga from Gomukh to Gangasagar, covering cities such as Haridwar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Patna, Kanpur, and Kolkata. Another chapter, AI, introduces students to Artificial Intelligence, explaining how machines learn and solve problems like humans. It aims to encourage scientific thinking in middle school students. NCERT has started rolling out the updated textbooks for several classes. While some books have already been released, others are expected by the end of the year.
India.com
4 hours ago
- Business
- India.com
IIM Bangalore to launch UG Courses in Economics and Data Science, application begins..., program fee...
The Indian Institute of Management, one of the best management institutes in India, is all set to launch its undergraduate programs. From August 2026, IIM will offer two full-time four-year UG courses in Economics and Data Science. Both BSc (Hons) in Economics and BSc (Hons) in Data Science will come with a minor degree in Business and another discipline. These full-time residential courses will be offered in the new Jigani campus – a newly established School of Multidisciplinary Studies. IIM has designed these courses in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP). It aims to provide world-class undergraduate education with strong academic foundations and real-world relevance. IIM launches UG Courses: Important Dates The application window will be open from September 2025 The programs are set to begin from August 2026 Initially, the plan is to intake 20 students per program which makes for admissions of 80 students in total. However, the plan is to grow the student intake to 640 by 2031. IIM launches UG Courses: Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process The maximum age limit to apply is set at 20 years for the general category and 22 years for reserved categories as of August 1, 2025 Candidates must have cleared Class 12(or equivalent) from a recognized board. Candidates must have studied Maths in Class 12 and should have scored minimum 60%. Candidates must have also scored atleast 60% (overall) in Class 10. Candidates will have to go through a National test and then an interview to get selected. Additionally, the programme fee for both courses is RFs. 8.5 Lakhs per annum. The curriculum of these two courses will integrate Economics, data science, philosophy, communication, and ethics will be integrated in the curriculum of both these courses, with a special IIM flavor of business education. They aim to establish a strong application-based orientation of all subjects in real life. Additionally, the highlights of the programmes include two internship cycles; an international exchange term offering; a curriculum grounded in context sensitivity, individual transformation, and life competencies; and the option for a three-year exit with a degree. According to the official statement, these undergraduate programmes are designed to offer a distinctive blend of broad exposure and deep expertise.
