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Three-Language Formula in Indian Education System
The Secondary Education Commission (1952–3) had suggested
(a) teaching Hindi and English from classes V to VIII,
(b) studying the mother tongue or the regional language at the higher secondary level,
(c) one other language, Hindi for non–Hindi speakers, and elementary English, and
(d) a modern foreign language.
The Central Advisory Board (1956) suggested the three-language formula because these proposals were not well received. In 1962, the Chief Ministers’ Conference endorsed the formula. The 1966 Language Commission headed by Professor DS Kothari also suggested the following methods for teaching three languages:
Lower secondary stage (class VIII to X)
Three languages: In Hindi speaking areas,
- The mother-tongue or the regional language,
- English or Hindi (if English has already been taken as the mother-tongue) and
- A modern Indian language other than Hindi.
In non-Hindi speaking areas:
- The mother tongue or the regional language
- Hindi at a higher or lower level.
- English at a higher or lower levels.
A classical language may be studied on an optional basis besides the above three:
- Mathematics
- Science
- History, Geography and Civics
- Art
- Work experience and social service
- Physical education and
- Education in moral and spiritual values.
Higher Secondary stage:
Any two languages including any MIL, modern foreign language and any classical language.
Any three subjects from the following:
- History,
- Geography,
- Economics,
- Logic,
- Psychology,
- Sociology,
- Art,
- Physics, i Chemistry,
- Mathematics,
- Biology,
- Geology, and
- Home Science.
- Work Experience and Social service
- Physical Education,
- Art or Craft
- Education in moral and spiritual values.
The formula was created to provide a range of languages in the curriculum, to ensure a fair distribution of the educational burden, and to support national integration. The formula attempted to balance the needs of what was once referred to as group identification (L1 and regional language), national pride and unit (Hindi), administrative efficiency, and technical advancement (English).
