Chhattisgarh, December 19, 2025: Chhattisgarh has recorded zero enrolments for its Hindi-medium MBBS program for the academic session 2025-26. This marked a major setback to the state government’s effort to make medical education more accessible to rural and Hindi-speaking students.
The initiative was launched last year with the objective of removing language barriers in medical education. However, despite Hindi being the primary language spoken by a large majority of the state’s population, not a single student opted for the Hindi-medium MBBS course this year.
In contrast, only two students had enrolled in the program last year, highlighting consistently low interest since its inception.
Medical education experts point to the dominance of English medical terminology as one of the biggest hurdles. English remains the globally accepted language for medical textbooks, research papers, examinations, and professional communication.
Former IMA Raipur chairman Dr. Rakesh Gupta termed the policy “impractical,” noting that almost all standard medical textbooks and reference materials are published in English. He also cited RTI findings that revealed a lack of clarity regarding the availability, consistency, and quality of Hindi-medium study material.
Although nearly 70% of MBBS aspirants come from Hindi-speaking backgrounds, most continue to prefer English as the medium of instruction. Concerns include possible disadvantages in postgraduate admissions, national-level entrance examinations, international exposure, and global recognition.
Responding to the criticism, Director of Medical Education Dr. U.S. Paikra stated that the government had fulfilled its responsibility by preparing and providing Hindi study material. He emphasized that the decision to choose between Hindi and English “rests entirely with the student.”
According to him, the state’s objective was never to impose Hindi but to ensure that language does not become a barrier for students aspiring to pursue medical education.
The initiative has triggered sharp political reactions.
Congress media cell chairman Sushil Anand Shukla criticized the policy as rushed and unrealistic, questioning the feasibility of teaching modern medicine in Hindi. He argued that modern medical education relies heavily on globally standardised terminology, and any major language transition must be supported by robust planning, high-quality resources, and long-term academic backing.
On the other hand, BJP spokesperson Shatabdi Pandey defended the government’s move, stating that the Hindi-medium option was introduced as an alternative, not a compulsion, and students remain free to choose their preferred medium of instruction.
Healthcare professionals across India have historically expressed skepticism about integrating Hindi into modern medical education. Earlier directives asking AIIMS doctors to prescribe medicines in Hindi had also faced strong backlash from the medical community.
Many doctors have described such moves as “misguided” and “risky.”
Dr. Avneesh Ojha, Co-founder of UPCHAAR and Vice-President of IMA, wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Forcing AIIMS doctors to prescribe in Hindi? Absurd! International textbooks: ENGLISH ONLY. MP’s Hindi MBBS books already flopped - zero takers. Don’t risk lives for linguistic ego!”
He was referring to the Hindi-translated medical textbooks introduced in Madhya Pradesh in 2022, which failed to gain acceptance among students due to translation inconsistencies, technical inaccuracies, and usability issues.
(Rh/VK)
