The experiment of offering engineering education in Gujarati has come to an end at the Gujarat Power Education and Research Institute (GPERI) in Mehsana, affiliated with Gujarat Technological University (GTU). The institute will not offer Gujarati-medium B.E. courses for the 2026–27 academic year after failing to attract a single student over the past four years.
GPERI had introduced Gujarati-medium undergraduate courses in computer, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering as part of efforts to promote Gujarati as a language of instruction in technical education. However, the complete lack of admissions has forced the institute to discontinue the initiative.GTU Registrar Dr K.N. Kher said the university had invested considerable effort in making Gujarati-medium engineering feasible, including translating technical textbooks.
Despite strong online interest in the translated material, students have not opted for the courses.”Students access Gujarati textbooks online, but they are reluctant to pursue formal engineering education in Gujarati. The biggest concern is that studying in Gujarati may affect their job prospects and salary packages,” he said.Educationists say English continues to dominate engineering education, making it difficult for regional-language courses to gain acceptance.
Former Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor Dr M.N. Patel noted that most engineering textbooks, reference material and technical terminology remain English-based. While teachers may explain concepts in Gujarati, many technical terms do not translate effectively, making learning more challenging for students.A similar proposal to introduce Gujarati as a medium of instruction in medical education has also failed to progress.
A dean of a government medical college, speaking anonymously, said a nine-member committee had been formed to explore the idea, but no significant steps followed.The official said translating internationally accepted medical terminology, much of which is derived from Greek and Latin, remains a major hurdle.
The development reflects a wider trend in Gujarat, where English-medium education continues to expand. Increasing numbers of Gujarati-medium students prepare for national entrance examinations such as JEE and NEET in English, reinforcing the belief that English proficiency offers better opportunities in higher education and future employment.