Mon Jun 02 09:02:58 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Higher education institutions in Tamil Nadu remain uncertain about adopting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as the 2025-26 academic year approaches. Central government institutions are leading the way, potentially gaining an advantage in rankings and accreditation. The Tamil Nadu government’s primary concerns with NEP 2020 revolve around the three-language policy and structural changes in higher education programs. While some experts support multilingualism, others argue that a three-language policy is unnecessary for Tamil Nadu. Academics express concerns about funding and the realization of NEP 2020’s core principles, urging for a level playing field in education.
**News Article:**
**Tamil Nadu Higher Education Institutions Still Unclear on NEP 2020 Adoption**
**COIMBATORE, June 2, 2025** – As the 2025-26 academic year looms, higher education institutions in Tamil Nadu are still struggling with whether or not to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While central government institutions and deemed universities have begun adopting the guidelines, state-funded institutions appear to be lagging behind, raising concerns about their competitiveness in national rankings.
The Tamil Nadu government’s primary objections to NEP 2020 stem from the three-language policy, which mandates the learning of two Indian languages in addition to English, and structural changes to higher education programs.
“English along with the local language will suffice,” stated P.K. Ponnuswamy, former Vice-Chancellor of Madras and Madurai Kamaraj Universities. “Yet, schools could be given the freedom to teach as many languages suiting necessity.”
However, some experts champion multilingualism, suggesting the three-language policy would benefit students. “Students in private schools already follow the three-language policy, and, hence, government schools should also follow suit,” said E. Balagurusamy, former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University. “The policy is a good initiative to promote multilingualism.”
Academics also express concerns about potential funding disparities and the actual implementation of NEP 2020’s five pillars: access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability.
“The reality is that the five pillars of NEP 2020: access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability, have not been realised as yet,” M. Chidambaram, former Director of National Institute of Technology, Tiruchi, said.
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