The Telangana government has announced an exemption for Class 10 students from studying Telugu as a compulsory subject during the 2026-27 academic year . This decision specifically applies to non-Telugu speaking students across all school managements in the state, offering relief from a long-standing mandate.
Exemption Details
A recent memo, issued by Education Department Secretary Yogita Rana, clarifies the specific academic cohorts affected. The exemption extends only to students who will be in Class 10 during the 2026-27 academic year. Importantly, this waiver does not cover students currently in Class 9 during the 2025-26 academic year. These students are still required to study Telugu.
Furthermore, students currently in Class 8 during the 2024-25 academic year will be required to study Telugu when they advance to Class 9 in the 2025-26 academic year. This phased implementation aims to integrate the compulsory Telugu policy while addressing specific transitional challenges for certain student groups.
Policy Background
This exemption directly relates to the Telangana (Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Telugu in Schools) Act, 2018 . This legislation mandates the teaching and learning of Telugu as a compulsory subject for students from Class 1 to Class 10. The Act covers all educational institutions in the state, including government schools, aided schools, and private schools affiliated with various boards such as CBSE, ICSE, and IB.
The primary goal of the 2018 Act is to promote and preserve the Telugu language within the state’s education system. It seeks to ensure that all students gain proficiency in the regional language, fostering cultural identity and enhancing communication skills within Telangana. The phased rollout strategy has been a key aspect of its implementation since its enactment.
Implementation and Challenges
The implementation of the 2018 Act has faced several challenges since its introduction. The previous BRS government did not fully enforce the law, particularly for higher classes. The current administration has actively engaged with school managements to ensure broader application, especially in Classes 9 and 10.
The latest exemption for Class 10 students in 2026-27 follows petitions filed in the High Court. Non-Telugu speaking students sought relief from the compulsory subject requirement. The state government had previously granted similar exemptions for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years, acknowledging the difficulties faced by some students in transitioning to the new curriculum requirements.
School Compliance
Following this decision, the School Education Department has issued directives to all relevant educational authorities. Regional Joint Directors of School Education and District Educational Officers must communicate the exemption details to all schools under their jurisdiction. Schools are then required to submit a compliance report, confirming their adherence to the new guidelines.
This reporting mechanism ensures that the exemption is uniformly applied across all affected schools. It also monitors the state’s progress in implementing the compulsory Telugu policy, while accommodating specific student needs through these temporary waivers and maintaining educational standards.