Patna: Even as interest among young people in learning foreign languages has surged in recent years, native language courses offered by colleges under Patna University (PU) continue to attract very few applicants. Data from the PU admission section reveals that enrollment interest in several undergraduate language programs, except English, remains negligible, with most courses receiving applications in single digits.
English Dominates, Others Lag
In contrast, applications for English honors courses across different colleges have far exceeded the number of sanctioned seats. Demand for English literature is also higher than that for several traditionally popular social science subjects. This disparity highlights a growing preference for English over regional languages.
Specific Language Course Enrollment
- Bengali: Only one application has been received this year for the Bengali honors course, offered exclusively at Patna College. Previously, the subject was also taught at B N College and Magadh Mahila College but was discontinued due to teacher shortages and declining student interest.
- Arabic: The Arabic honors course at Patna College has received just five applications.
- Persian: Only seven students have applied for the Persian honors course, available at Patna College and Magadh Mahila College.
- Maithili: Despite its recent inclusion in the CBSE curriculum as an optional language and its presence in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, only 11 students have applied for the Maithili honors course, offered at Magadh Mahila College, Patna College, and B N College.
Expert Opinion on Declining Interest
Girish Kumar Jha, former head of the PU Sanskrit department, commented, “In the modern era of digital technology, it is very difficult to persuade the present generation to study language courses which hardly promise any lucrative job to them. Most of them would like to join sunrise courses which would fetch them a heavy pay package.” This sentiment underscores the challenge of promoting native languages in a job market that increasingly values technical and global skills.
The trend reflects a broader shift in student preferences towards subjects perceived as more career-oriented, leaving traditional language programs struggling to attract learners.
