Students say they’re caught between language pride and career survival as English remains dominant in exams and job prospects.
📌 Introduction: A Historic Promise, a Challenging Reality
In October 2022, Madhya Pradesh made headlines by becoming the first Indian state to introduce MBBS education in Hindi, a move celebrated as a “historic step” toward language inclusivity in medicine. But three years later, the ground reality tells a different story. Despite government investment and the launch of Hindi-translated textbooks, uptake remains limited, and students still heavily rely on English for exams and career growth.
🧑⚕️ Students Speak: “Hindi Feels Familiar, But English Secures the Future”
Many students at Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, the state’s premier government institute, say they started with high hopes but quickly shifted back to English.
“I studied in Hindi… but gave the exam in English,” says Ankit Pandey, a second-year student.
“No one forced us, but everyone around us slowly moved to English to secure better marks and future prospects.”
Another student, Daksh, shared a similar sentiment:
“If I only study in Hindi, I’ll be trapped in a regional bubble. English is essential for PG studies and jobs in big cities.”
📚 Ground Realities: Hindi Books Exist, But Exams Still in English
- The government spent ₹10 crore to print Hindi medical textbooks and set up translation panels.
- However, very few students actually attempt exams in Hindi.
- According to faculty, there’s no separate Hindi exam form, no official stats, and no incentive for choosing Hindi.
“The books are available, but I haven’t seen a single student write their Physiology exam in Hindi,” says Dr. Rakesh Malviya, President, Medical Teachers’ Association.
📍 Small Towns Tell a Different Story
In districts like Jabalpur and Satna, the Hindi initiative is showing more promise.
- Chetna Jharia (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College) says: “I wrote my first-year exams in Hindi. Understanding concepts became easier.”
- Sheetal Kori (Hitkarini Dental College) shared: “Now that questions are in Hindi, I feel more confident and perform better.”
But such stories are exceptions, not the norm.
🧮 Data Gap: No Clear Numbers on Hindi Usage
Even senior officials admit there’s no consolidated data on how many students use Hindi in exams.
“Some colleges report 10–15% use of Hindi in theory. Others say 50% use mixed language in practicals,” said Dr. Ashok Khandelwal, Vice Chancellor of MP Medical Science University.
🗣️ Government’s Position: Creating a “Language Option,” Not a Rule
- Rajendra Shukla, Minister of Public Health & Medical Education: “About 15–20% students are using a Hindi-English mix, and they’re doing well.”
- Dr. Lokendra Dave, Nodal Officer, Hindi Cell: “This is about trust. Hindi is not being enforced. We’re just creating a space where students have a choice.”
⚖️ The Real Question: Is the System Ready for a Language Shift?
Despite the good intentions, students are left navigating an unclear path, balancing cultural pride with global competitiveness. With no official Hindi-medium exam system or long-term academic clarity, English remains the safety net.
Until the system truly supports Hindi equally—from textbooks to test papers to job portals—the MBBS-in-Hindi mission may remain more symbolic than systemic.
