Punjab Education Minister Raises Concern Over CBSE's Exclusion Of Punjabi Language

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced new draft scheme for the two board examinations plan on Tuesday that align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In the newly released draft, the Punjabi language has been excluded, as alleged by Punjab Education Minister. Raising concerns over the sudden removal of the language, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains objected to CBSE’s new exam pattern scheme.

Harjot, in a video posted on X, demanded that the Union Minister of Education immediately reverse the decision. “Can we please get a clarification on this? Why is the Punjabi language not included in the list?” he asked.

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We strongly object to CBSE’s new exam pattern scheme, which attempts to erase Punjabi!

Punjabi must be designated as the main language in Punjab and further be included as a regional language in CBSE for rest of the nation, as it is spoken and read across multiple states.

Any… pic.twitter.com/yzkyIovN8X

— Harjot Singh Bains (@harjotbains) February 26, 2025

Harjot also demanded that students who wish to learn the language be given the opportunity by including it as a regional language in the curriculum. “We strongly object to CBSE’s new exam pattern scheme, which attempts to erase Punjabi! Punjabi must be designated as the main language in Punjab and further be included as a regional language in CBSE for rest of the nation, as it is spoken and read across multiple states. Any attack on Punjabi will not be tolerated!” he added.

The new draft policy issued by CBSE on Tuesday does not include Punjabi (code 004) in the regional and foreign language group.

Meanwhile, Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj, the Controller of Examinations -CBSE, responded to the allegations by the minister.

“There is no change in the subjects offered today. This list is indicative. All subjects which are offered today will continue in 2 board examination,” Dr Bhardwaj said.

The draft policy has been prepared and will be hosted on the official CBSE website to gather responses from all stakeholders, including schools, teachers, parents, students, and others.

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Meanwhile, the CBSE has decided to conduct two board examinations starting from the academic year 2025-26. This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to reduce academic pressure and provide students with an opportunity to improve their performance. As per the policy, students will be allowed to attempt their board exams twice within an academic year, with the second attempt serving as an opportunity for improvement.