Regional languages to be introduced in Classes 1 and 2 in Bihar government schools from 2026-27

The Bihar government has decided to introduce regional languages as a subject for students of Classes 1 and 2 in all government schools across the state from the upcoming academic session 2026-27. The primary objective of this initiative is to promote mother tongue-based education under the guidance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

According to a report by PTI, students will be able to study any one of the six regional languages of their choice. These options include Maithili, Bhojpuri, Bajjika, Magahi, Surjapuri, and Angika languages. This decision will provide young children the opportunity to receive education in their familiar language.

State Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari stated that this decision has been taken in accordance with the provisions of the National Education Policy 2020. He further added that initially, these languages will be introduced in Classes 1 and 2, but subsequently, the programme will be expanded to Classes 3 to 5. For this purpose, textbooks for Classes 3 to 5 in the respective regional languages will also be developed.

The responsibility of preparing textbooks in all these languages for the implementation of this scheme has been assigned to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). SCERT Director Yatendra Kumar Pal stated that the Council is currently preparing books for Classes 1 and 2 in all six languages. Teachers and language experts are being taken help for the creation of these books, and it is expected that they will be introduced from the upcoming academic session.

Jainendra Kumar Doste, a lecturer at SCERT and coordinator of textbook development workshops, provided information that one workshop has been organised by the Council so far. There are plans to hold two more workshops to finalise the material.

He further stated that, in accordance with the recommendations of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 and NEP 2020, the aim is to help children learn in a language they are familiar with. Receiving education in regional languages will make it easier for young students to understand concepts of various subjects, participate actively in classroom activities, and adapt easily to the school environment.

According to education experts associated with this project, this initiative will keep children connected to their local culture, traditions, festivals, and daily life. This will increase their confidence from childhood. As per the recommendation of NEP 2020, the use of a child's home language, mother tongue, or regional language is encouraged in the early years of education to improve learning outcomes and preserve India's linguistic diversity.

According to a report by NDTV, through this entire process, the state government is attempting to bring quality to the level of education and make students more attracted towards education by connecting them with their native language.