Is English a Mandatory Course in India? What Students and Parents Need to Know

• by Ewan Thorne
• May 18, 2025
• 0 Comments

Is English a Mandatory Course in India? What Students and Parents Need to Know

Walk into almost any school in India and you’ll find English classes on the timetable. But is it really a ‘must’ for every student in the country? Well, the truth is a bit more complicated—and honestly, it depends on where you study and what your future plans look like.

Some school boards, like CBSE and ICSE, do make English mandatory until at least 10th or 12th grade. Plenty of state boards do the same, but not all of them. In a few states, students can actually choose another language in place of English, mostly at the primary level. So while English is everywhere, not everyone has the exact same requirements.

If you’re a parent wondering whether your kid absolutely needs English to succeed, the answer is: probably yes if you want them to have more options for college, jobs, or competitive exams down the line. English has become the common link for higher education and even many private companies in India. Even government entrance tests, like NEET or JEE, now offer English as a main medium.

• Does Every Student in India Have to Study English?
• How State Boards and CBSE/ICSE Handle English
• Why Parents Choose English-Medium Schools
• Is English Compulsory for All Exams?
• English Courses Beyond School—Who Needs Them?
• Tips for Navigating English Learning in India

Does Every Student in India Have to Study English?

Here’s the real deal: studying English isn’t the exact same thing for every student in India. It really depends on your school board and sometimes even which state you’re in. But, English is everywhere—especially in the bigger cities and private schools.

The English mandatory India policy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Take these examples: if your school is affiliated with CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) or ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education), English is not only on the syllabus, it’s literally required up to at least Class 10. Some state boards, like Maharashtra or Tamil Nadu, also keep English compulsory, but a few others offer some flexibility with regional languages.

One thing to remember: even if English isn’t forced on everyone at the lowest levels, it becomes hard to skip as you move up. By high school, most Indian students will at least have basic English classes. Private schools and urban areas usually push English much more than government schools in villages.

If you’re planning for college, professional exams, or jobs later, not having English in school might limit your choices. Big universities and corporate recruiters expect at least some English skills. Even now, over 90% of CBSE and ICSE students pick English as their main language for board exams. So, while there are a few exceptions, English really is the go-to option for most students trying to keep their doors open for the future.

How State Boards and CBSE/ICSE Handle English

When it comes to Indian schools, each board sets its own rules. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) make English mandatory right from primary through secondary grades. If your child is in one of these boards, there's no way around English. Students take English as a core subject for board exams in Class 10 and 12, and marks in English count toward the all-important final score.

ICSE takes English even more seriously. You can’t clear the ICSE board exam unless you pass in English Language and English Literature separately. CBSE has English Communicative and English Core as main subjects, both heavily tested at higher classes.

State boards are a mixed bag. In states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, English is taught but sometimes not as the main language, especially in government schools where the focus might be on the regional language. Some states let students pick another language as their first language, while English comes second or even third.

If your child switches states or education boards, keep an eye on these requirements, because repeating a year or struggling with a language jump isn’t uncommon. Students moving from a regional-medium to an English-medium school might also attend extra English classes just to catch up.

At the end of the day, English is here to stay in Indian education, but the specifics really depend on the board and the state. Keep this in mind if you’re planning school transfers or if you're helping a student prep for board exams.

Why Parents Choose English-Medium Schools

English-medium schools are everywhere in India, from big cities to small towns. But what’s the real reason so many parents hustle to get their kids into these schools—even if it stretches their budget?

First up, there’s the job angle. Many Indian companies, plus most multinationals, run interviews and daily work in English. Parents see that speaking and writing in English opens doors. According to a 2023 AISHE report, over 52% of higher education courses in India use English as the main medium. So, it’s not just about getting a job—it’s also about handling college, where textbooks and lectures are often in English.

Another big factor: English mandatory India policies are now standard for competitive exams and higher studies. The CBSE and ICSE boards require English for board exams, and even state boards in places like Maharashtra and Karnataka are pushing English learning earlier in schools. Parents know their kids will face English in most important exams, so they want to get a head start.

Here are the main reasons parents lean toward English-medium schools:

• Wider career options: English skills boost chances with private-sector jobs and international companies.
• Higher education readiness: Many colleges need good English for entry and success.
• Competitive exam prep: Exams like JEE, NEET, and banking tests commonly use English.
• Peer pressure and status: English-medium schools often have a reputation for better quality.
• Easier access to resources: Study materials, coaching centers, and online courses are mostly in English.

Check out how widespread English-medium schools have become according to the Ministry of Education’s 2022-23 data:

In the end, parents aren’t just picking English-medium schools for the ‘prestige.’ They want their children to have real options, in school and far beyond it.

Is English Compulsory for All Exams?

This is one of those questions where almost everyone thinks the answer is obvious, but it actually isn’t. English isn’t automatically compulsory for every school board exam or competitive test in India. In fact, rules about the language of the exam—and whether English as a subject is mandatory—depend a lot on which board or exam you’re talking about.

If we look at the big national boards, both CBSE and ICSE require students to study English as a core subject. You pretty much have to clear English to pass your board exams. For state boards, things can change. Some states, like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, often have English as mandatory, while others might allow students to pick a regional language instead.

Competitive and entrance exams bring their own set of rules. Most major tests—like NEET for medical, JEE Main for engineering, and UPSC civil services—let you write the exam in more than one language. But here’s the catch: prep material, coaching, and even official communication often use English. So, even if the test itself can be in a different language, knowing English gives students a serious edge.

Here’s the real takeaway: English isn’t always compulsory as a subject for every exam, but it’s English mandatory India when it comes to long-term possibilities. Most national-level inquiries, scholarship forms, or even job applications use English. So even if you can skip English at one stage, you might run into a wall later if you aren’t comfortable with it.

A smart tip? If you’re planning to aim for national competitive exams or want more college and job options, stick with English—at least as a second language. It just makes life a lot simpler down the road.

English Courses Beyond School—Who Needs Them?

English classes aren’t just a school thing anymore. Once you’re done with textbooks and uniforms, you’ll notice English courses popping up everywhere—coaching centers, private tutors, online apps, you name it. So, who’s actually signing up for these extra courses?

For starters, college students are some of the biggest takers. Lots of universities in India use English for lectures, assignments, and exams—even if students came from a regional-language background. No wonder there’s a rush for spoken English and writing workshops. Then you’ve got job seekers: so many private-sector jobs across IT, banking, marketing, and even hospitality look for clear English communication.

People aiming for government jobs might be surprised to know that several competitive entrance tests, such as UPSC and banking exams, feature English right on the papers. That’s why coaching centers always have English modules built in—even if you’re mostly prepping for general knowledge or math.

It’s not just the cities. Smaller towns and even rural areas are catching up fast—there’s a steady demand for English skills everywhere. Thanks to cheaper smartphones and internet, a lot of people are jumping onto apps like Duolingo, Udemy, and YouTube for quick lessons. It’s flexible and way less scary than classroom learning.

• If you’re preparing for interviews, sign up for a basic spoken English group.
• If your college assignments in English feel like a nightmare, try online academic writing courses—they’re super targeted.
• If government exams are in your future, don’t ignore the English component. Even a few marks there can make a big difference.

The bottom line? If your goals involve higher studies, landing a good job, or just fitting into the hustle of modern workplaces, some form of extra English course is almost always helpful. The English mandatory India routine doesn’t end at school gates. It just changes gears.

Tips for Navigating English Learning in India

Let’s get real—most students will need English skills at some point, whether at school, college, or on the job. Here’s how you can make learning English less stressful and more useful, whether you’re a parent or a student.

• English mandatory India: It’s smart to check your school board's policy. CBSE and ICSE, for example, require English right up to Class 12. In state boards, some flexibility exists, but English is often compulsory at least until Class 10.
• Don’t ignore basics. Even if you’re in a regional-medium school, building a solid foundation in basic English grammar and vocabulary early makes higher studies much easier.
• Online resources work wonders. Platforms like BYJU’S, Khan Academy, and even YouTube have free English lessons tailored for Indian curricula. Try to find teachers who understand where you’re starting from, not just native speakers from abroad.
• Don’t shy away from speaking. Practicing with friends, family, or language clubs helps break through the hesitation barrier way faster than just reading or writing alone.
• Sample papers are your best friend. Boards like CBSE and ICSE put out practice papers which can help you get familiar with exam patterns—these are a goldmine if you want to avoid surprises during board exams.

Now, look at some quick stats that might surprise you. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER 2023), only 28% of rural Indian students in grade 5 could read basic English sentences comfortably. This shows there’s room for improvement but also highlights why early focus matters.

If you’re aiming at competitive exams, pay attention: tests like JEE, NEET, and many government exams now offer questions in English and at least one regional language. But guess what? The answer sheets, guides, and almost all top study materials come in English first. Being comfortable with English gives you a practical edge.

• Set tiny daily goals. Two new words a day, reading one news headline, or watching a short English video clip—it all adds up.
• Mix English into your routine. Change your phone language, leave voice notes for friends in English, or read comic strips. Keep it light and fun.
• Remember, grammar is important for exams, but don’t get trapped in textbook rules. Real-world English—emails, conversations, presentations—matters just as much.

No matter where you’re starting, learning English in India is very doable. The trick is consistency, making smart use of resources, and not being afraid to make mistakes. People learn fastest when they use the language every day, not just for exams.