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KVS Pilots Tamil as Medium of Instruction in Select Tamil Nadu Schools

The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan has decided to introduce Tamil as a medium of instruction on a pilot basis in select schools in Tamil Nadu. This marks the first formal step by the central school system to accommodate a regional language as a primary teaching mode within its framework. The decision came in response to a representation by activist V. Eswaran, who highlighted that many KVs in the state do not consistently offer Tamil even as a subject. The broader adoption of regional languages in KVS will depend on the evaluation of this pilot programme.

Key Points: KVS to Pilot Tamil as Medium of Instruction in Schools

  • First regional language pilot in KVS
  • Decision follows activist representation
  • Schools to be identified for experiment
  • Outcome to guide wider policy
  • Addresses lack of Tamil in curriculum
2 min read

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan pilots Tamil as medium of instruction in select schools in TN

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan launches pilot to introduce Tamil as a primary teaching language in select schools in Tamil Nadu, a first for the central system.

"major breakthrough in a long-standing effort - V. Eswaran"

Chennai, Feb 28

In a significant development for regional language advocates in Tamil Nadu, the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, on Saturday, decided to introduce Tamil as a medium of instruction in select Kendriya Vidyalayas on a pilot basis.

The move marks the first formal step by the Central school system towards accommodating a regional language as a primary mode of teaching within its framework.

The decision was communicated by R. Senthil Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of KVS's Chennai Region, in response to a representation submitted by Coimbatore-based activist V. Eswaran on January 28, 2026.

Eswaran had sought the introduction of Tamil as a medium of instruction at the Kendriya Vidyalaya in Sowripalayam at Coimbatore.

The official response, dated February 23, 2026, confirmed that the organisation is exploring the proposal through a pilot initiative.

In his communication, the Deputy Commissioner said that Kendriya Vidyalayas are classified as "special category schools" under Section 2(p) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

These institutions were originally established to serve the educational needs of children of transferable Central government and defence personnel, ensuring continuity in schooling even when families are relocated mid-academic year.

Given this unique mandate, Kendriya Vidyalayas function under policies framed by the Central government, and admissions are governed by guidelines periodically issued by KVS within the RTE framework.

While maintaining this special status, the Sangathan has now initiated steps to identify specific schools where Tamil can be introduced as a medium of instruction on an experimental basis.

The communication also said that a broader decision on introducing regional languages as mediums of instruction in other Kendriya Vidyalayas would be taken after assessing the outcome and evaluation of the pilot programme.

Reacting to the development, Eswaran described the decision as a "major breakthrough" in a long-standing effort to secure greater space for Tamil within the Kendriya Vidyalaya system.

He said that several KVs in Tamil Nadu do not consistently offer Tamil even as an additional subject, often citing a shortage of qualified faculty.

As a result, many students complete their schooling without adequate exposure to the state's official language.

He expressed hope that the pilot initiative would pave the way for wider adoption of regional languages in the Central school network.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but I hope they don't force it. Many KV parents are central govt employees who get transferred. If a child studies in Tamil medium in Coimbatore for 2 years and then has to move to Delhi, what will happen? The continuity of KV is its main strength.
A
Arjun K
Finally! It's high time our regional languages got respect in the central system. Tamil has such a rich literary history. Students should have the option. This is a positive move for linguistic diversity in India.
S
Sarah B
Interesting development. As someone who studied in a KV outside my home state, I appreciate the uniform curriculum. But offering a regional language as a *medium* is a big shift. They must ensure quality teachers and textbooks are available. The pilot approach is smart.
V
Vikram M
The article says many KVs don't even offer Tamil as a subject due to teacher shortage. If that's the case, how will they manage full Tamil medium instruction? First, they should mandatorily offer it as a language subject in all Tamil Nadu KVs. One step at a time.
M
Meera T
Heartening news! My child is in a KV and feels disconnected from Tamil. We speak it at home, but academic recognition is different. This will help preserve our language. Kudos to the activist Eswaran for his efforts. Hope other states also get similar options for their languages.

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