In a job market where versatility is prized, language skills can be a differentiator.
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In India’s culturally and linguistically complex environment, language has a purpose beyond mere communication; it is a passage to deeper insight, closer ties, and greater chances. Yet in most universities today, language is taught only as an elective only if it relates to a student’s individual interest or profession. As India and the rest of the globe become increasingly interconnected, it poses a valid question: must another language have to be learned in college as a compulsory course of study?
India officially recognises 22 languages as per the Eighth Schedule, according to the Census of India 2011. This multilingualism is not limited to culture or tradition; it is deeply connected to how services, governance, and businesses operate in India. With growing urbanisation, graduates employed in healthcare, administration, development, or education tend to be posted in areas where the predominant language may not be not their own. Here, proficiency in a local language adds not just to professional competence but also helps build confidence and rapport with people. Compulsory language education in a university setting can instil this important skill early so that students are ready for the multilingual environment they will work in.
Cognitive gains
The gains in cognition due to learning a language are well documented. A study conducted in 2022 by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reported that people who were bilingual or multilingual displayed enhanced memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. The study also documented heightened decision-making skills and flexibility… all abilities very important to competence in any field.
For young people in demanding academic courses, in particular, multilingualism creates mental agility. It supports executive function following a plan, organising and alternating between activities efficiently. Language learning is more than learning vocabulary and grammar; it involves stimulating several areas of the brain to facilitate analytical thinking and interdisciplinary understanding. It helps improve academic performance, enhance retention, fosters creative and bestows a critical intellectual advantage.
In a job market where versatility is prized, language skills can be a differentiator. Banking and finance, healthcare, education, hospitality, logistics, and even e-commerce are assigning greater importance to employees who can reach out to India’s multi-lingual population. The rise of regional media, state-level governance, and grassroots development programmes have also created demand for professionals fluent in local languages. Moreover, as Indian businesses expand globally, bilingual or trilingual professionals fluent in English and an international language like Mandarin, Spanish, or French are increasingly sought after. By embedding language learning in higher education, students can gain not just academic enrichment but also a practical skill that expands their career horizon.
Flexible system
Although the argument in favour of requiring language learning is compelling, it has to be implemented with regard to academic diversity. A single requirement for all programmes can become a source of pressure, particularly in disciplines that have strict course structures like Medicine, Engineering, or Law.
Alternatively, universities can follow a tiered or modular system. Language credits must be made obligatory but flexible and offer a combination of Indian and international languages based on student requirements and career aspirations. Courses may incorporate functional language instruction, professional communication modules, or vocabulary in areas of specialisation so that they are relevant and motivating. For example, medical students may study colloquial Hindi or Tamil to interact with patients, while business students may study Mandarin or Spanish to facilitate overseas operations.
Language is more than an academic subject; it’s a fundamental skill for navigating India’s pluralistic society and succeeding in a complex workplace environment. By incorporating language acquisition into higher education as a mandatory and well-integrated component, universities can prepare students with building blocks of cognitive development, cultural understanding, and practical skills.
The writer is the CEO of Globeducate, India.
Published – July 12, 2025 08:00 pm IST
