Guwahati, February 13: In a significant move to promote and preserve indigenous languages, the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) has announced the introduction of Dimasa as a new elective subject in the state school curriculum. The subject will be introduced for Class IX students from the 2026–2027 academic session, marking a major milestone in the recognition and promotion of the Dimasa language within Assam’s education system.
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According to an official notification issued by the board on February 9, 2026, the implementation will take place in phases. Dimasa will first be offered to students of Class IX during the 2026–2027 academic year, while Class X students will have the option to study the language from the 2027–2028 session onwards.
ASSEB has provided students with two options for studying the language. They may choose 'Dimassa (E)' as a regular elective subject or opt for Dimasa in place of the Modern Indian Language (MIL) paper. Students selecting the second option will study a composite paper consisting of 50 per cent English (IL) and 50 per cent Dimasa. However, the board clarified that those choosing Dimasa as a substitute for MIL will not be eligible to take it simultaneously as an elective subject.
To ensure the availability of standardised and authentic learning materials, the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) in Dima Hasao district has been entrusted with preparing and supplying the required textbooks for the new subject.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by members of the Dimasa community. Assam Cabinet Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare Nandita Gorlosa described the decision as a historic achievement for the community. She expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Education Minister Ranoj Pegu for supporting the initiative and recognising the importance of preserving indigenous languages through formal education.
The inclusion of Dimasa in the state curriculum is being viewed as an important step towards safeguarding the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Dimasa people. It is also expected to encourage younger generations to learn and preserve their mother tongue while strengthening the representation of indigenous languages in Assam’s mainstream education system.
