Language choice can transform engineering education in India

Source: The post Language choice can transform engineering education in India has been created, based on the article “We should teach engineering in Indian languages” published in “businessline ” on 31 May 2025. Language choice can transform engineering education in India.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.

Context: India’s technical education is heavily English-dependent, creating barriers for students unfamiliar with the language. With over 1,369 mother tongues, this issue raises concerns about inclusivity, national progress, and how language shapes engineering education outcomes.

The Language Challenge in Engineering Education

1. English as a Barrier and a Gateway: English is the standard in higher education, seen as a passport to global opportunities. But for students from rural and semi-urban areas, it becomes a barrier due to low proficiency, limiting career growth.
2. Loss of Potential Due to Language: Many talented students fail to perform well, not due to lack of ability, but because the instructional language alienates them. Their grasp of technical content is hindered by unfamiliar vocabulary and delivery.
3. NEP 2020’s Inclusive Vision: The National Education Policy 2020 addresses this problem by promoting education in mother tongues. It highlights that students understand complex ideas better in their native language, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Technology as an Ally

1. Real-Time AI Translation: Technology now enables real-time translation of lectures, making technical content more accessible in multiple languages. This bridges the language gap without excluding English.
2. Multilingual Digital Tools: Learning platforms are evolving to support multilingual content, helping students learn in the language they understand best. This approach turns diversity into an advantage.
3. Peer Learning and Bilingual Resources: Institutes are promoting bilingual learning resources and forming peer support groups. This helps students gradually become comfortable with both native and English content.

IIT Jodhpur’s Innovative Initiative

1. Bilingual Course Option: IIT Jodhpur allowed first-year students to choose between Hindi and English for their courses. Over 80% of students at the institute come from Hindi-speaking backgrounds, making this a student-focused move.
2. Positive Student Feedback: The response was overwhelmingly positive. Students felt more confident and engaged. Many said it removed a long-standing burden, allowing better learning and participation.
3. Improved Results: Pilot results from AY 2024–25 Semester I showed that students from vernacular backgrounds were now competing for top grades—once out of reach due to language limitations.

Reframing Global Competitiveness

1. Dismissing False Fears: Fears that multilingual education could weaken global competitiveness are unfounded. On the contrary, learning in a familiar language enhances conceptual clarity and confidence.
2. Empowering Global-Ready Engineers: Multilingual engineers are not only technically skilled but also culturally aware and adaptive—traits valued globally. This diversity strengthens India’s global standing.

Language as a Tool for Inclusion

1. Rethinking Linguistic Diversity: Language is not a hurdle—it is a resource. Ignoring 94% of Indians not fluent in English limits national progress and innovation.
2. Role of IITs and Policy: Institutes of National Importance must lead reforms to make classrooms inclusive. Education must empower every student, regardless of language.
3. Vision for Inclusive Innovation: Multilingual learning nurtures broader participation. It helps unlock creativity, ensures representation, and builds a future where all voices contribute to India’s growth.

Question for practice:

Examine how language of instruction influences inclusivity and learning outcomes in India’s engineering education system.