Fluent in photosynthesis, stumped by ‘prakash sanshleshan': In Noida, Hindi to English to Hindi puzzles students

Time of India

24-05-2025

Noida: Reshma, a Class IV student at a govt school in Ghaziabad, has a thorough understanding of 'photosynthesis' but she was stumped by a question on 'prakash sanshleshan' during her EVS exam last year.
It was only when her teacher explained that the term means photosynthesis did Reshma stop panicking and get back to answering the question.
In 2018, around 94 govt primary schools in Ghaziabad and Noida switched to English-medium instruction to boost enrolment. But the transition hasn't been smooth. It isn't uncommon for Hindi question papers to be given to these schools, where students like Reshma blank out on unfamiliar terms.
Teachers told TOI that the staff has had to translate or rewrite questions on the classroom board to explain the terminologies. They then leave it to students to answer questions in Hindi or English – either of the languages that the kid is comfortable using.
"In subjects like maths, science and EVS, precise terminology is critical. The terms in English and Hindi are entirely different. Every year, we receive English-medium textbooks, but during exams, some subjects are presented with Hindi-language papers.
How will students understand? Teachers often have to translate or rewrite the questions. Sometimes, we even create entire question papers in English. This process is confusing and time-consuming for everyone," said a teacher at Govt Composite School-Raipur in Noida.
This mismatch, officials say, is because of changes in policy.
Two years after 15,000 schools across UP shifted to English-medium instruction, the central govt unveiled the National Education Policy (NEP), which places greater emphasis on the use of "mother tongue in education", a teacher said.
Ravindra Singh, principal of Babbal Garhi Primary School in Ghaziabad, said that after the 2018 switch, teachers were hired specifically on their English language skills.
"The first year, 2018-19, saw the introduction of especially curated English-language textbooks across all subjects. Initially, both students and staff were enthusiastic, and enrolment numbers increased significantly. But after the pandemic, availability of English study materials became inconsistent.
Then, with implementation of NEP, teaching again shifted predominantly to Hindi," Singh said.
Another teacher said this flip-flop has caused "confusion" and "stress" for educators, who were suddenly expected to instruct students in Hindi.
A Class II student in Noida said she was taught in English at her school till last year. "The papers came in Hindi. It was very confusing. Even though I knew the answers, I couldn't write them.
But now, we are taught in both languages," the student said.
A teacher based in Ghaziabad said that the schools remain English-medium on paper but mode of instruction is now predominantly Hindi. "There is no official order, but I think govt wants to convert all English-medium schools back to Hindi medium again," she said.
Officials said all question papers, in English or Hindi, are made at the District Institute for Education and Training (DIET).
"The papers are then given to the basic education department. Printing and circulation is done by the basic education department as per their requirement," said RS Yadav, principal of DIET in Noida.
OP Yadav, Ghaziabad BSA (basic shiksha adhikari), said all question papers are distributed as received from DIET.
"If there is any further order from the state education department, we will follow that. However, regarding receiving Hindi papers in English-medium schools, the education department will look into the matter," Yadav said.
Vinita Tyagi, a member of Ghaziabad's State Resource Group (SRG) that advises the district education department, admitted that the 2018 initiative was not implemented properly. "It was a combined responsibility of everyone in the education system to implement it without any hassle. However, there has been a lot of confusion regarding distribution of English-books, question papers, etc." Tyagi said.
Students who enrolled in the English-medium schools are struggling otherwise too.
Teachers told TOI that admissions went up in the initial years, but many students dropped out, while some others opted for private schools eventually.
"In the first year, enrolment jumped from 50 to 112. We also supported autorickshaw services for students. But private schools came up in the area and parents shifted their children to those schools," said Babita, principal of the Primary School in Matiala, Ghaziabad.
Another hurdle is finding govt-run English-medium schools after Class V.
"When students transition to upper primary or secondary school, they can't find English-medium options at higher levels, and the few that exist are often located far from students' homes. Then, they have two choices – switch to Hindi-medium education or move to private schools to continue studies in English," said a teacher at the Matiala school.
Parents said it was easier to opt for private schools if one could afford them. "Why not enrol your child in a private school from Class I, instead of facing disruption later… Moreover, studying in private school gives more confidence to my son, than it would in a govt school. I don't want my children to suffer like us. I want them to get out of the village and get a job, for which understanding and speaking in English is important," said Mohammed Sayed, a resident of Bhojpur in Ghaziabad.