NEP’s Three-Language Formula Explained In Detail

March 31, 2025, 3:59 p.m.

The Three-Language Formula in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has paved way for a fresh debate, especially because of Tamil Nadu’s opposition over concerns of Hindi imposition. NEP 2020, which replaced the 1986 policy after years of discussion, recommends that students learn three languages, with at least 2 being native to India in both government & private schools. Also, the policy make sure that no language will be forcefully imposed and thus gives flexibility for states, regions & students.

The NEP also provide students at the secondary level with opportunities to learn foreign languages like Korean, Japanese, French, German & Spanish. The aim of this initiative is to improve cultural understanding and global knowledge as well as support future career prospects. According to NEP, the three-language formula will be implemented early in schooling to promote multilingualism while respecting constitutional provisions, people's aspirations, and regional preferences. Students can change one or more of the three languages they study by Grade 6 or 7, as long as they demonstrate basic proficiency in three languages, including one Indian language at the literature level & other by the end of secondary school.

To support this, both central and state governments will invest heavily in hiring more language teachers across regional languages, focusing particularly on those listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The policy also encourages bilateral agreements between states to exchange language teachers, making it easier to implement the three-language formula and promote Indian languages nationwide.