Karnataka spearheads India's NEP 2020 implementation, launching multilingual curriculum reforms in public schools. The move sparks national debate on language policy, teacher training, and educational equity.
Bengaluru, February 27, 2026 — Karnataka has become the first Indian state to fully implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s multilingual curriculum in government schools, marking a significant milestone in the country’s education reform efforts, according to The Hindu.
The rollout, which began in January 2026, introduces a three-language formula across all public schools, integrating Kannada, English, and a third language of choice. This initiative aims to foster linguistic diversity and improve learning outcomes, as outlined by the Ministry of Education.
Karnataka’s education department announced that over 45,000 government schools have adopted the new curriculum. The transition includes updated textbooks, revised teacher training modules, and digital content to support multilingual education, as reported by The Times of India.
Background: NEP 2020 and the Three-Language Formula
The National Education Policy 2020, approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020, proposed sweeping changes to India’s education system. A central feature is the three-language formula, intended to promote multilingualism and national integration, according to the Ministry of Education.
NEP 2020 recommends that students learn three languages in school, at least two of which should be native to India. The policy emphasizes flexibility, allowing states and schools to choose languages based on regional and student needs.
Karnataka’s Approach: Implementation and Innovations
Karnataka’s education minister, Madhu Bangarappa, stated that the state’s early adoption was driven by a commitment to preserving local languages while enhancing global competitiveness. The curriculum now includes Kannada as a mandatory language, English as a second language, and a choice among Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, or Urdu for the third.
To facilitate the transition, the state government allocated ₹350 crore for teacher training, curriculum development, and technology upgrades. Over 60,000 teachers participated in intensive workshops and online modules, as reported by The Indian Express.
Digital learning platforms, such as DIKSHA and the state’s own e-Pathshala, have been updated with multilingual resources. These platforms provide interactive lessons, assessments, and teacher guides in all three languages, according to data from Karnataka’s Department of School Education.
Challenges: Teacher Shortages and Infrastructure Gaps
Despite progress, the rollout faces challenges. Teacher shortages, especially for the third language, have been reported in rural districts. The Karnataka State Primary Teachers Association highlighted that 18% of schools lack qualified teachers for all three languages.
Infrastructure gaps, such as inadequate classrooms and limited access to digital devices, have also slowed implementation in some areas. The state government has pledged to address these issues by recruiting 5,000 additional language teachers and expanding device distribution programs.
National Reactions and Policy Debate
Karnataka’s move has sparked debate across India. States like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have expressed reservations about the three-language formula, citing concerns over imposition of non-native languages and administrative burdens, according to NDTV.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has welcomed Karnataka’s model, suggesting it could serve as a blueprint for other states. However, education experts warn that a one-size-fits-all approach may not suit India’s linguistic diversity.
Impact on Students and Learning Outcomes
Early feedback from students and parents has been mixed. While some appreciate the emphasis on mother tongue instruction, others are concerned about increased academic pressure. Preliminary assessments show improved reading skills in primary grades, according to Karnataka’s Department of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT).
A survey by Azim Premji University found that 72% of teachers believe the multilingual curriculum enhances cognitive development, but 41% report difficulties in balancing multiple language classes within existing timetables.
What’s Next: Scaling Up and Monitoring Progress
The Ministry of Education has announced plans to monitor Karnataka’s progress through quarterly reviews and independent evaluations. Other states are expected to send delegations to study the model, with Maharashtra and Odisha indicating interest in similar reforms.
Karnataka’s education department is developing a dashboard to track student performance, teacher training, and resource allocation in real time. The state aims to achieve full compliance with NEP 2020 across all grades by 2028.
As India’s education landscape evolves, Karnataka’s experience with NEP 2020’s multilingual curriculum will serve as a critical test case for balancing linguistic diversity, equity, and quality in public education.
Sources: The Hindu, The Times of India, The Indian Express, NDTV, Ministry of Education, Karnataka Department of School Education, Azim Premji University.
Sources: Information sourced from The Hindu, The Times of India, The Indian Express, NDTV, Ministry of Education, and Azim Premji University reports.