Patna: Bihar’s state universities are preparing to introduce foreign-language courses at the undergraduate level, taking inspiration from programmes offered by institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
The proposed courses will include German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Russian, with the aim of giving students additional skills linked to employment opportunities in India and abroad.
The initiative follows directions from Governor and Chancellor Syed Ata Hasnain. A curriculum committee has prepared a draft vocational-course framework incorporating foreign-language education, which has now been sent to the vice-chancellors of state universities for their feedback.
The curriculum will be reviewed after the universities submit their suggestions and will require approval from the Chancellor before implementation.
JNU And BHU Syllabi Used As Models
The curriculum committee has used programmes followed by leading higher-education institutions as a reference while preparing the proposed framework.
Officials said the team was provided with syllabi from Delhi University, JNU, BHU and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, among others. These programmes are being studied to develop courses suited to Bihar’s universities while maintaining national and international academic standards.
The committee has also examined syllabi covering several other languages and subjects, including Modern Arabic, Pali, Tibetan language and literature, Italian and Persian.
Some of these languages are proposed to be offered through certificate courses, giving students the opportunity to develop additional language skills alongside their regular studies.
Foreign Languages Linked To Career Opportunities
The proposed courses are being designed as vocational and career-oriented programmes, with the focus extending beyond classroom language learning.
The curriculum committee believes that knowledge of foreign languages could improve students’ prospects in sectors that require communication with international organisations, businesses and clients.
Students with foreign-language skills could potentially explore opportunities in areas where multilingual professionals are in demand, both within India and overseas.
Former Patna University Vice-Chancellor Dr Ras Bihari Singh welcomed the initiative, saying foreign-language education could create wider employment opportunities for students.
He said knowledge of more than one language could give professionals additional career options and better employment prospects, particularly in sectors with international requirements.
Uniform Fees Planned Across Universities
The proposed vocational curriculum also seeks to bring greater uniformity to foreign-language education across the state.
According to the plan, the fees for foreign-language courses will be kept uniform across state universities. This is intended to provide students with a consistent fee structure regardless of the university offering the programme.
The government also plans to establish career counselling centres at all state universities. These centres will help students understand career pathways and opportunities connected with their education and skills.
Internships To Add Practical Experience
The new framework also proposes internship opportunities for students enrolled in the vocational programmes.
The internship component is intended to provide practical exposure and complement classroom-based language learning. It could also help students understand how foreign-language skills are applied in professional settings.
The proposed programmes are currently at the consultation and review stage. Once feedback from vice-chancellors is received and the curriculum gets Chancellor’s approval, the courses can be introduced across Bihar’s state universities.
The initiative is part of a wider push to make higher education more skill-oriented and employment-focused, while giving Bihar’s students access to language training that could expand their opportunities in an increasingly international job market.
