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Language Barriers in Competitive Exams Spark Debate
The question of whether the National Testing Agency (NTA) should introduce more vernacular languages as options for the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate (CUET-PG) admissions, in addition to English and Hindi, has become a topic of significant debate. As students across India face linguistic challenges in competitive exams, education experts and student associations are advocating for the inclusion of regional languages to ensure equal opportunities in higher education.
Role of Vernacular Languages in Education
Kiran Kumar Gowd, President of the All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA) and a research scholar at the University of Hyderabad, stressed the importance of the mother tongue in a child's cognitive development, particularly in primary education. He highlighted that students from rural or marginalized backgrounds often receive their education in their regional language, making it difficult for them to compete in exams conducted only in English or Hindi.
“For students who have studied in their mother tongue throughout school, suddenly having to take an entrance exam in a language they are not fluent in creates an unfair disadvantage,” Gowd explained.
Experts Advocate for Linguistic Inclusivity
The CUET-PG exam was introduced to establish uniformity in admissions to postgraduate programs. However, experts believe that limiting the test to only English and Hindi ignores India's linguistic diversity. Ritesh Jain, a mentor and academic counselor, criticized this approach, stating that India's vast linguistic landscape should be reflected in its education system.
“The educational ecosystem in states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala is deeply rooted in the local language,” Jain said. “Forcing students to take an exam in English or Hindi, when they have been educated in their regional language, is unfair and creates a barrier to higher education.”
Gowd echoed this sentiment, stating that the demand for vernacular languages is not merely a preference but a necessity for educational equality. Expanding language options would benefit students from non-English and non-Hindi-speaking backgrounds, ensuring they are not left behind due to a linguistic disadvantage.
Beyond Entrance Exams: The Role of Vernacular Languages in Higher Education
The push for vernacular languages extends beyond entrance examinations. Experts argue that postgraduate studies and research should also accommodate regional languages. Jain emphasized that universities should allow students to publish research papers and academic work in their mother tongues, supported by tools for translation and communication.
“With advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), language barriers can be easily overcome,” Jain stated. “AI-powered tools can enable students and faculty to engage with content in their native languages while still gaining exposure to English.” He added that this approach would allow students to express their knowledge more authentically and enhance their academic performance.
Ensuring Inclusivity in Education
Gowd underscored the need to ensure that students educated in vernacular mediums are not excluded from higher education opportunities. “They need to be part of the race first, in order to compete,” he said, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to education.
Anthony Fernandes, Founder of Shalaa.com, an online educational platform, agreed, stating that students should not be penalized for their lack of fluency in English or Hindi. “If students have studied in a vernacular medium until Class XII, imposing an unfamiliar language on them in a crucial entrance exam is unfair,” he said. “A competitive exam should test a student’s knowledge and skills, not their ability to navigate a language barrier.”
To ensure inclusivity, experts suggest that the CUET-PG exam should be conducted in multiple languages, including all scheduled languages of India. This would
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