New Delhi: When Kaif, a first-year MA Political Science student at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), sat down for his first postgraduate examination, he found himself spending more time translating the question paper than answering it. He completed his graduation in Hindi medium from a government university in Chhattisgarh and the sudden shift to English as the medium of instruction and examination has affected his comprehension and confidence.
Kaif is not alone. For many students at JMI who completed their graduation in Hindi medium, the move to postgraduate classrooms has meant grappling with English question papers and lectures for the first time. Many have now raised these issues before the academic council, where a discussion took place on February 12. A proposal was placed for considering Hindi and Urdu as mediums of instruction and examination at the postgraduate level. The document, accessed by TOI, reads: "The matter is related with representation received from students of MA political science regarding medium of question papers for examination in Hindu/Urdu. It was stated... that most students have completed their graduation in Hindi... It was further stated that the sudden shift to English as medium of instruction and examination at the post graduate level creates difficulty in understanding questions properly and giving their answers. The inability to attempt the examination in Hindi may adversely affect the performance of students due to language barriers."
The document stated that the Dean of Social Sciences, in his reply to the representation, acknowledged the issue and said: "Though students of department of political sciences are allowed to write examination in English, Hindi and Urdu, teachers in other departments of the faculty are unable to teach in Hindi and Urdu and also examine answer scripts written in languages other than English."
TOI reached the Dean of Social Sciences for a response, who directed queries to the university's media coordinator. She refused to comment.
University rules state that Urdu shall be the medium of instruction and examination at all stages of education in the university. However, instruction may be imparted through English and Hindi, subject to approval of the academic council as mediums of instruction and examination. In sciences, technical and professional courses, English shall be the medium of instruction and examination.
At the time of admission, Jamia also asks applicants to indicate their preferred language of instruction and examination, students pointed out.
If approved, the proposal to introduce Hindi and Urdu as mediums of instruction and examination at the postgraduate level would mark a significant policy shift.
Emphasising this, the document placed before the house read: "It is pertinent to mention that the university has already implemented FYUP from the academic year 2024-25 as per NEP guidelines and for the PG programmes, NEP will be implemented from the next academic session 2026-27. NEP promotes using Indian languages, mother tongue, or regional language as medium of instruction in higher education to enhance understanding, reduce cognitive strain and boost inclusivity. As part of the NEP, higher education institutions are encouraged to offer programmes in local languages or bilingually to increase access."
Students of MA Political Science at the university told TOI that while a tri-language policy exists on paper, execution ispoor. Samir, a second-year MA Political Science student, said, "We have many students from non-Hindi speaking states and Hindi-medium backgrounds, so language becomes an issue. Most faculty teach in English as a common language, even though Hindi is also used if a student is unable to understand. Technically, students can write answers in all three languages, but in reality, there aren't enough faculty members who can evaluate scripts in all three and we are forced to write exams in English."
Students also pointed out that while they are asked to choose their preferred language of instruction and examination at the time of admission, in practice, however, at least in the MA Political Science department, question papers are provided in only Hindi and English. Students may attempt papers in Urdu, but there is no robust in-department mechanism to evaluate such answer scripts.
A faculty member, requesting anonymity, said, "If a student writes in Urdu, the answer sheets sometimes have to be sent to faculty in other departments for translation. Practically, it is not feasible for every department to have a single faculty member who has expertise in all languages, especially specialised ones like Urdu, when it comes to subject-specific evaluation. If the proposal is approved, the transition would require strengthening faculty, including recruiting subject-matter experts who are proficient in all three languages."
(Names of students have been changed to protect their identity)
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