By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 23: Khasi and Garo languages have been formally included in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Scheme of Studies, thus paving the way for affiliated schools to offer them as optional third-language subjects from the 2026-27 academic session.
The updated language list uploaded on the CBSE OASIS portal places Khasi and Garo at serial numbers 46 and 47, respectively, under the board’s revised three-language structure (R1-R2-R3), being implemented in line with the National Education Policy and the National Curriculum Framework. The development follows concerns raised in Meghalaya after the two languages were initially left out of the recognised subject framework under CBSE’s revised language policy. The state government had taken up the issue with CBSE authorities and sought their inclusion through formal communication and discussions.
“On behalf of the people of Meghalaya, I express heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Union Education Minister @dpradhanbjp Ji for his swift intervention in enabling the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the CBSE R3 framework,” Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma posted on X. “This important step will benefit students, ease challenges for schools, support language teachers, and strengthen the preservation of Meghalaya’s rich linguistic heritage. More than a milestone, this reflects our shared commitment to an inclusive education system that respects every linguistic identity,” he further wrote.
Meanwhile, with the revision now reflected in the board’s official portal, over 100 CBSE-affiliated schools across Meghalaya will be eligible to offer Khasi or Garo within the approved language basket. CBSE has directed affiliated schools to update details on the OASIS portal as part of the rollout of the new policy framework.
The inclusion is expected to provide greater institutional recognition to Khasi and Garo languages within the national school education system, while strengthening efforts to promote mother-tongue learning in Meghalaya. It is also likely to support broader initiatives aimed at preserving and encouraging the use of indigenous tribal languages among younger generations.
In Meghalaya, the move is being viewed as an important academic and cultural recognition of the state’s native languages within the country’s mainstream education structure.
