By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Khasi and Garo have now been added to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) language curriculum, allowing schools affiliated with the board to introduce the two languages as optional third-language subjects from the 2026-27 academic year.
The revised list of languages available on the CBSE OASIS portal includes Khasi and Garo under the newly adopted three-language format introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
The decision comes after concerns emerged in Meghalaya when both languages were missing from CBSE’s updated language framework announced earlier.
Following this, the Meghalaya government approached CBSE officials and pushed for the recognition of the two regional languages through official correspondence and discussions.
Reacting to the development, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma thanked Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for facilitating the inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the CBSE language structure.
In a post on X, the chief minister said the decision would help students, reduce difficulties faced by educational institutions, assist language educators, and contribute to safeguarding the linguistic traditions of Meghalaya.
He also stated that the move reflects the importance of an education system that recognises and respects diverse languages and identities.
With the changes now officially reflected on the CBSE portal, more than 100 CBSE-affiliated schools across Meghalaya can introduce Khasi or Garo as part of the approved language options.
Schools have also been instructed by the board to update relevant information on the OASIS portal under the revised policy framework.
The inclusion is expected to strengthen the position of Khasi and Garo within the national education system and encourage the study of mother tongues among students in Meghalaya.
The move is also likely to support ongoing efforts aimed at protecting and promoting indigenous tribal languages among younger generations.
Across Meghalaya, the development is being seen as a major recognition of the state’s native languages within India’s mainstream academic framework.