Hyderabad: The Telangana government’s move to make Telugu a compulsory subject in all schools has created difficulties for CBSE-affiliated school students, particularly those from non-Telugu-speaking backgrounds. Students in classes 7 and 8 who have never studied Telugu now face the challenge of learning the language and appearing for board exams.
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Schools Drop Hindi and Urdu as Second Language Options
Several leading schools in Hyderabad have reportedly discontinued Hindi and Urdu as second language options, making Telugu the only choice from the 2025-26 academic year. This has led to growing concerns among parents, who argue that the sudden imposition of Telugu in higher classes will create unnecessary pressure on students.
Parents Launch Campaign Against Mandatory Telugu
A group of parents has initiated a campaign urging the government to reconsider its decision. They argue that students who have never studied Telugu before will struggle to clear board exams.
“When students have to appear for board exams in Telugu, it is next to impossible. Many families move to Hyderabad from different states. How can a class 9 student, who has never studied Telugu, learn it in just two years?” questioned Rahul Kejriwal, one of the parents leading the campaign.
The parents suggest that Telugu should be introduced as a third language in a phased manner, while allowing students to choose their second language. On Wednesday, they launched an email campaign addressing their concerns to the Union Education Minister and senior Telangana officials. They have also planned a ‘Maha Dharna’ at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park on April 5 and may approach the court if their concerns are not addressed.
School Principals Call for a Flexible Approach
Ameer Khan, principal of a CBSE-affiliated school and Chairperson of Hyderabad Sahodaya Schools Complex, stated that Telugu should be made a third language for students who do not opt for it as their second language.
“We enroll students from different central schools where Telugu is not taught till class 7. Expecting them to learn Telugu in class 7 or 8 and appear for exams is unfair,” he said.
Confusion Over Telugu Textbooks in CBSE Schools
Adding to the confusion, Khan noted that the Telangana government has prescribed the Vennela (Simple Telugu) textbook for CBSE students, while the CBSE curriculum for 2025-26 mentions Singidi (Standard Telugu).
“As CBSE-affiliated schools, we will wait for clarification from our board,” he added.
Telangana Government’s Order on Telugu in All Schools
On February 25, the Telangana government issued an order making Telugu a mandatory subject for students of classes 1 to 10 in CBSE, ICSE, IB, and other board-affiliated schools in the state from the 2025-26 academic year.
