India’s economic growth, coupled with its expanding global footprint, has created a robust demand for professionals proficient in multiple languages. In an increasingly globalised world, the ability to communicate across linguistic boundaries has become a valuable skill. This has led to a significant surge in interest among students in India in pursuing language courses.

With the rise of international business, cultural exchange programs, and global migration, language proficiency is no longer just an academic pursuit but a gateway to diverse career opportunities.

According to a report by Technavio, the Indian language services market is expected to grow by USD 7.55 billion from 2023 to 2028, progressing at a CAGR of 14.37 percent during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the need for translation, interpretation, and localisation services as Indian businesses expand internationally.

This demand is evident in industries like IT, tourism, hospitality, and international trade, where language skills can significantly enhance job prospects.

As India continues to integrate more deeply with the global economy, the demand for multilingual professionals is expected to grow.

This trend is likely to encourage more students to pursue language courses, viewing them as a viable and lucrative career option. Moreover, with the advent of technology, online language learning platforms are making language education more accessible, enabling students from all parts of the country to acquire these valuable skills.

EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE: LANGUAGE COURSES ON THE RISE

Recognizing the importance of multilingualism, educational institutions in India have begun offering specialised language courses. Universities and colleges are introducing programs in languages such as Mandarin, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese, and even regional Indian languages like Tamil, Bengali, and Marathi.

The Ministry of Education has also initiated programmes to promote the learning of foreign languages at the school level, emphasising the importance of linguistic diversity. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also highlights the importance of multilingualism, advocating for the inclusion of more languages in the curriculum. This policy shift is expected to further boost the popularity of language courses among students.

Nidheesh Saxena, Senior Director of Admissions, Gitam Deemed to be University has shared the most common foreign languages adopted by Indian students

French

• French is one of the most popular foreign languages among Indian students, partly due to its global presence and the extensive network of French-speaking countries
• Institutions: The Alliance Française network in India, along with numerous schools and universities, offers comprehensive French language programmes.
• Career Opportunities: French proficiency is valuable in international business, diplomacy, tourism, and academia.

German

• German is highly favoured, especially among students interested in engineering, technology, and science, due to Germany’s strong industrial base.
• Institutions: The Goethe-Institut (Max Mueller Bhavan) plays a significant role in promoting German language learning in India.
• Career Opportunities: German is crucial for careers in engineering, automotive industries, and higher education, particularly for those aiming to study or work in Germany.

Spanish

• Spanish is gaining popularity rapidly due to the large number of Spanish-speaking countries and its status as the second most spoken language in the world.
• Institutions: Instituto Cervantes and various universities across India offer Spanish language courses.
• Career Opportunities: Knowledge of Spanish is beneficial for careers in international business, tourism, translation, and BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) sectors.

Mandarin Chinese

• With China being a major global economic power, Mandarin is increasingly being adopted by Indian students aiming for careers in business and trade.
• Institutions: Several universities and cultural centres like the Confucius Institutes offer Mandarin courses in India.
• Career Opportunities: Proficiency in Mandarin is particularly useful in sectors like international trade, business, and diplomacy.

Japanese

• Japanese is popular among students interested in technology, engineering, and electronics, due to Japan’s strong presence in these industries.
• Institutions: The Japan Foundation and various universities in India offer Japanese language programs.
• Career Opportunities: Japanese language skills are highly valued in industries such as automotive, IT, and electronics, and for those interested in working with Japanese companies.

Russian

• Russian is chosen by students interested in science, technology, and literature, especially due to India’s long-standing ties with Russia.
• Institutions: Several universities in India offer Russian language courses.
• Career Opportunities: Russian is useful for careers in international relations, defence, and technology sectors, as well as for students pursuing higher education in Russia.

Korean

• Korean is growing in popularity, driven by the Korean wave (Hallyu) and South Korea’s strong presence in the electronics, entertainment, and automotive industries.
• Institutions: The King Sejong Institutes and various universities in India offer Korean language programs.
• Career Opportunities: Korean language skills are valuable in sectors like entertainment and technology, and for those seeking opportunities in South Korean companies.

The rising demand for language skills across various industries, coupled with the growing availability of language courses in educational institutions, has made language courses a top career choice for emerging students in India. For students looking to position themselves for success in the global economy, investing in language education is a strategic and forward-thinking choice.