MP universities to teach Tamil, Telugu, Bengali under NEP language push
Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh is quietly reshaping its university landscape — 12 public institutions will now teach 11 regional languages from Tamil to Sindhi as credit courses under NEP 2020, while SWAYAM enrolment becomes compulsory. It is one of the most sweeping multi-language academic rollouts by any Indian state government this year.
Key Takeaways
11 Indian languages — Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Assamese, Bengali, Odia, and Sindhi — will be offered as credit courses at 12 Madhya Pradesh public universities .
Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar issued the directive on 6 May 2025 at a review meeting in Bhopal .
Each university will build its own curriculum framework and faculty support system for its assigned language.
SWAYAM online courses made compulsory; every student must enrol in at least one course.
Minister also directed immediate recruitment for all vacant teaching and non-teaching posts , calling it the "top priority".
Digital evaluation of answer sheets and upgradation of hostel facilities also ordered.
Students at public universities across Madhya Pradesh will soon be able to earn academic credits by studying 11 Indian languages — including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Assamese, Bengali, Odia, and Sindhi — as part of a sweeping initiative under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar issued the directive during a review meeting in Bhopal on Wednesday, 6 May, assigning specific languages to 12 state universities.
Languages Assigned to 12 State Universities
The initiative distributes the 11 languages across universities including Barkatullah University, Jiwaji University, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya, Awadhesh Pratap Singh Vishwavidyalaya, Vikram University, Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundelkhand University, Raja Shankar Shah University, Pandit Shambhunath Shukla University, Krantisurya Tantya Bhil University, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, and Maharshi Panini Sanskrit and Vedic University. According to an official statement, each university will develop its own curriculum frameworks and faculty support systems for its allotted language under the academic credit structure.
What the Government Said
Officials stated the initiative aims to promote linguistic diversity and cultural integration in line with NEP 2020 objectives. Minister Parmar also made SWAYAM online courses compulsory for all students, directing that every student must enrol in at least one online course.
Point of View
Digital evaluation, and hostel upgrades signals ambition, but also risks spreading implementation bandwidth thin. The real test will come at the semester end: how many students actually enrolled, completed, and earned credits in, say, Sindhi or Assamese at a university in Madhya Pradesh.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 11 Indian languages will be taught at Madhya Pradesh universities under NEP?
The 11 languages are Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Assamese, Bengali, Odia, and Sindhi. They will be offered as academic credit courses at 12 public universities across Madhya Pradesh under the NEP 2020 framework.
Which universities in Madhya Pradesh will offer these language courses?
The 12 universities include Barkatullah University, Jiwaji University, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya, Awadhesh Pratap Singh Vishwavidyalaya, Vikram University, Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundelkhand University, Raja Shankar Shah University, Pandit Shambhunath Shukla University, Krantisurya Tantya Bhil University, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, and Maharshi Panini Sanskrit and Vedic University.
What is the SWAYAM online course mandate announced for MP university students?
Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar directed that every student at Madhya Pradesh public universities must enrol in at least one SWAYAM online course to supplement classroom learning and build digital skills. The directive was issued on 6 May 2025.
Why is Madhya Pradesh introducing regional language courses under NEP 2020?
Officials say the initiative aims to promote linguistic diversity and cultural integration, which are core objectives of NEP 2020. The policy encourages multilingualism and exposure to India's diverse linguistic heritage as part of a broader academic credit framework.
What other reforms were announced at the Bhopal review meeting?
Besides the language initiative, Minister Parmar directed immediate recruitment for all vacant teaching and non-teaching posts, faster digital evaluation of answer sheets, strict adherence to the academic calendar, and upgradation of hostel facilities. Additional Chief Secretary Anupam Rajan also asked universities to improve CM Helpline portal performance and resolve pending pension and compassionate appointment cases.
