Abstract
The role of native language is vital in students’ learning at elementary level. The theorists and practitioners speak for indigenous language as a medium of instruction (MI). The purpose of the present study was to compare the achievement of students in Urdu medium test (UMT) and English medium test (EMT) at elementary level. Three hundred students (N= 300) from grade 8<sup>th</sup> were randomly selected from12 (6 male & 6 female) schools. Students’ achievement test (SAT) was used as a research tool. Paired-samples t- test was applied to analyze the data. The results show that students perform better in indigenous language test / Urdu medium of instruction as compared to foreign language test/ English medium of instruction at elementary level. However, approximately 15% students can perform better in English medium-instruction as well as Urdu medium-instruction. Govt. of Pakistan should direct to adapt Urdu as medium of instruction at elementary level. The researchers recommended to meet the international needs, talent sections should be arranged in particular schools of English medium instruction.
