Karnataka spearheads India's NEP 2020 implementation, launching a multilingual curriculum in government schools. This move signals a major step in education reform, sparking national debate and analysis.
Bengaluru, February 21, 2026 — Karnataka has become the first Indian state to fully implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s multilingual curriculum in all government schools, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s education reform efforts, according to The Hindu.
The state government announced on Monday that from the 2026-27 academic year, students in classes 1 to 5 will study in three languages—Kannada, English, and a third language of their choice—fulfilling a core NEP mandate.
This rollout follows a two-year pilot program in select districts, which officials claim improved literacy rates and student engagement, as reported by The Indian Express. The full-scale implementation is expected to impact over 2.5 million students and 60,000 teachers statewide.
Background: NEP 2020 and Its Vision
The National Education Policy 2020, approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020, aims to transform India’s education system by 2030. Key objectives include promoting multilingualism, holistic learning, and flexibility in curriculum, according to the Ministry of Education.
A central feature of NEP 2020 is the three-language formula, designed to foster linguistic diversity and inclusivity. The policy encourages states to develop curricula that reflect local languages and cultures while maintaining national and global relevance.
Karnataka’s Multilingual Model
Karnataka’s new curriculum requires all government schools to teach Kannada and English as compulsory languages. The third language can be chosen from options such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, or Marathi, based on regional demographics and parental preference.
According to the Karnataka Department of Public Instruction, teacher training for the new curriculum began in late 2025. Over 45,000 teachers have completed specialized language pedagogy courses, with digital resources and textbooks distributed statewide.
State Education Minister Dr. Ramesh Gowda stated, “This is a historic step towards realizing NEP’s vision. Multilingual education will empower our children and open new opportunities.”
Challenges and Criticism
Despite the progress, the rollout has faced criticism from teacher unions and some parent groups. Concerns include teacher shortages in rural areas, lack of infrastructure, and the pressure of managing three languages for young students, as reported by The Times of India.
The All Karnataka Teachers’ Federation has called for additional recruitment and support staff, citing that only 70% of schools currently have the required number of language teachers.
Impact on Students and Learning Outcomes
Preliminary data from the pilot districts show a 12% increase in reading comprehension scores and a 9% rise in attendance rates, according to a report by the Azim Premji Foundation. Students reportedly show greater enthusiasm for learning and improved cultural awareness.
Experts from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) say that early exposure to multiple languages enhances cognitive flexibility and academic performance, supporting the NEP’s multilingual approach.
National Implications and Reactions
Karnataka’s success is being closely watched by other states. The Union Ministry of Education has urged states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal to accelerate their own NEP implementation plans, referencing Karnataka’s model as a benchmark.
However, some states have expressed reservations. Tamil Nadu continues to oppose the three-language formula, citing concerns over imposition of non-native languages. Policy analysts predict ongoing debates as the NEP rollout continues nationwide.
What’s Next?
Karnataka officials plan to expand the multilingual curriculum to classes 6-8 by 2028. The state will also launch a public feedback portal to gather input from parents, teachers, and students on the new system.
The Ministry of Education will publish a national progress report on NEP implementation by mid-2026, highlighting best practices and areas needing improvement. Education experts anticipate further policy refinements based on Karnataka’s experiences.
Sources
References: The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Times of India, Ministry of Education, NCERT, Azim Premji Foundation.
Sources: Information sourced from The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Times of India, Ministry of Education, NCERT, and Azim Premji Foundation reports.