– Amit Baveja, Managing Director, India & Southeast Asia at Burlington English

India’s education system has made significant progress in expanding access, improving enrolment, and strengthening basic literacy. However, as the country moves towards becoming a more knowledge-driven and globally connected economy, the conversation is beginning to shift.

Today, the focus is moving beyond basic literacy. The larger question is whether students can communicate clearly, participate confidently, and apply what they know in real-world situations.

One challenge continues to stand out: many students spend years studying English in school but still struggle to use the language in practical settings.

They may understand grammar rules, perform well in written examinations, and complete textbook exercises successfully. Yet, they often find it difficult to speak confidently, participate in discussions, explain their ideas clearly, or express themselves effectively in interviews and workplace environments.

The difference between learning English and using it is becoming increasingly important. Literacy gives students the ability to read, write, and understand a language, while fluency enables them to use it effectively.

It is the difference between knowing the right answer and being able to explain it, or understanding a concept and being able to discuss it in a classroom, present it in an interview, or apply it in a professional setting.

Many students continue to treat English as an academic subject rather than a life skill. They learn the language for examinations, but not always for communication. As a result, there is often a visible gap between what students know and what they are able to express.

Why English proficiency matters more than ever is evident as expectations from students evolve rapidly.

Across industries, communication is increasingly seen as a critical employability skill. Employers expect candidates to do much more than demonstrate technical knowledge. They must also present ideas clearly, collaborate with others, participate in meetings, interact with clients, and adapt to diverse environments.

More than 97 percent of Indian employers consider English language skills important for employment. At the same time, nearly 87 percent believe these skills will become even more valuable as artificial intelligence, automation, and global collaboration reshape the workforce.

This means strong academic performance alone is no longer sufficient.

Students who are unable to communicate effectively often face challenges during interviews, group discussions, presentations, internships, and early career opportunities. In many cases, two students with similar qualifications achieve very different outcomes simply because one is more confident using English in practical situations.

The gap between access and outcomes remains a key concern. India has made English education widely accessible across schools and institutions, but access does not always translate into outcomes.

While many Indians have some familiarity with English, far fewer are comfortable using it in academic, professional, or everyday contexts.

According to reports, Maharashtra shows the highest English proficiency at 68.23 percent, followed by Punjab and Delhi. One reason is that students in these regions are more likely to receive earlier exposure to English, stronger teacher support, and more opportunities to use the language beyond the classroom.

Consequently, when cities are analysed based on youth employability, Maharashtra and Delhi rank among the top-performing states.

In several other regions, communication gaps continue to affect higher education participation, employability, and career progression. This is not due to a lack of ability. In many cases, students simply lack opportunities to practise English in meaningful and consistent ways.

Moving beyond exam-oriented learning has become essential. For years, English learning in India has been heavily influenced by textbooks, grammar exercises, memorisation, and written assessments.

While this approach helps students build a theoretical understanding of the language, it does not always prepare them to use English confidently in real-world situations.

As a result, there is growing recognition that English needs to be taught differently. Schools and institutions are increasingly adopting more contextual and usage-led learning models.

Instead of focusing solely on written exercises, classrooms are beginning to include discussions, presentations, storytelling, role plays, collaborative activities, and project-based learning.

This approach allows students to engage with the language more naturally. Over time, it helps them build confidence, fluency, and the ability to communicate across different contexts.

Teachers will play the biggest role in this transition. Moving from literacy to fluency requires more than curriculum changes.

Teachers need practical tools, structured classroom support, and training that enables them to create interactive learning environments.

When students are encouraged to ask questions, participate in discussions, make presentations, and practise speaking without fear of judgement, they become more confident communicators.

Language skills are not built through memorisation alone. They develop gradually through practice, participation, repetition, and real-world usage, making teacher-led engagement one of the most critical factors in improving English proficiency.

Technology can accelerate progress by supporting both students and teachers. Digital learning platforms, blended classrooms, and AI-enabled tools are making it easier for students to practise English regularly, receive feedback, and improve at their own pace.

These tools also help teachers identify learning gaps earlier and provide more personalised support.

For students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, technology can offer access to high-quality language learning experiences that may not always be available locally.

Additionally, technology helps build confidence by providing safe environments where students can practise, make mistakes, and improve without hesitation.

Redefining what it means to be future-ready is essential as India positions itself as a global talent hub.

Foundational literacy will always remain important, as will technical knowledge and digital skills. However, communication is what enables students to apply these skills effectively.

Without fluency, knowledge often remains underutilised. Without confidence, opportunities are often missed.

English proficiency should therefore be seen not just as a language skill, but as an enabler of access to higher education, better employment opportunities, stronger career growth, and global engagement.

India has already made meaningful progress in expanding literacy. The next step is ensuring fluency. Because in the India that is emerging, it will not be enough for students to understand the world—they must also be able to engage with it.

Also Read: Higher Education as India’s Soft Power