Overview
In classrooms across Tamil Nadu, thousands of first year students carry the same unspoken worry: “Will my language skills hold me back?” For many first gen and Tamil medium learners, this single skill can shape which opportunities feel possible.
The Tamil Nadu Government’s Naan Mudhalvan project along with collaboration from Pearson set out to rewrite that story—bringing job-ready English training to colleges across the state.
The Challenge
Language skills at college entry limited student confidence, participation, and employability. Institutions needed a scalable way to identify gaps and improve workplace-ready communication outcomes—without increasing academic or digital burden.
The Partnership
The Government of Tamil Nadu partnered with Pearson under Naan Mudhalvan programme, to drive measurable improvements in job-ready English across first-year students at scale.
The Impact
- Near-universal diagnostic completion
- Significant proficiency improvements
- Improved visibility for institutions
- Improved job readiness
What we achieved:
88,712
students completed the placement test and their levels
~2200
students complete level-10
2600+
more than Credly badges were earned
280+
institutes involved
Pearson has been recognized with the Gold Category award at the Confederation of Indian Industry – Academia Partnership Awards 2025.