Kerala, known for its rich linguistic identity, is witnessing a growing reluctance among school students to choose Malayalam as the medium of instruction in SSLC examinations. The preference for English is rising sharply, reshaping academic choices and sparking concern among education and language experts. Recent figures indicate that parents increasingly believe English offers stronger career opportunities, pushing schools and students to prioritise English-medium classrooms.
Sharp Fall in Malayalam Medium Registrations in SSLC Exams
According to Pareeksha Bhavan statistics, the number of students opting for Malayalam medium in SSLC exams has steeply declined over the past six academic years. Before examining the table, it is important to understand the shift: families across both rural and urban belts increasingly associate English education with upward mobility, creating a strong preference in admissions from primary schooling itself.
The drop of over 87,000 Malayalam-medium students between these periods highlights a significant transition driven by parental aspirations.
“Not the Language, But Learning Quality Matters,” Say Experts
Education analysts note that parents are convinced English instruction leads to greater opportunities, particularly in competitive exams and global careers. However, experts caution that medium of instruction alone does not determine learning outcomes. K Anvar Sadath, CEO of Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education, argues that strong language activities within Malayalam-medium schools often result in excellent English proficiency, proving that teaching practices are more critical than the medium itself. Jayaprakash RK, Director at SCERT, adds that this shift mirrors Kerala’s socio-economic evolution: “The middle-class belt has expanded, and parental aspirations changed nearly a decade ago.” He believes the numbers will continue to fall as English admissions now dominate with a nearly 70:30 ratio in primary classes.
Concerns Over Cultural Identity and Local Awareness
Language advocates fear long-term consequences for Kerala’s heritage. R Nandakumar, State Convenor of Aikya Malayala Prasthanam, warns that weakening attachment to Malayalam could disconnect future generations from regional knowledge, environment and culture. He stresses that Malayalam remains the foundation for Kerala’s development and must not be sidelined in the pursuit of global relevance. Experts urge balanced policies that promote English skills without diluting Malayalam identity.
Follow KollegeApply for the latest updates on College Admissions, Courses, Exam Dates, Results, Scholarships, Career Guidance, Education News, and Policy Changes — everything needed to stay ahead in the education journey
