The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that it is working on suggestions and practical measures for implementing the CBSE’s new three-language policy for Class 9 students. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant that CBSE is currently working out the various modalities required for a smooth implementation. The Supreme Court has deferred the matter by a week.
What Does the New Policy Say?
Under the CBSE’s revised scheme, Class 9 students from the 2026–27 academic session are required to study three languages — R1, R2 and R3. At least two of these must be Indian languages. Students can choose a foreign language only as the third language after studying two Indian languages, or take it as an additional fourth language.
The policy is part of CBSE’s effort to align its curriculum with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, both of which emphasise multilingualism and greater exposure to Indian languages.
Supreme Court Raises Implementation Concerns
While the Supreme Court has indicated that there is nothing inherently wrong with promoting Indian languages, it has raised concerns about how the policy will be implemented without putting additional pressure on students.
The court has particularly highlighted the need for adequate teachers, textbooks and infrastructure for the different language choices available to students. It has also questioned how schools will manage the transition for students who have studied only two languages up to Class 8.
The court has stressed that promoting Indian languages should not become an additional burden for children and has asked the authorities to find practical solutions to the difficulties arising from the new system.
No Class 10 Board Exam for Third Language
To reduce academic pressure, CBSE has clarified that students will not have to appear for a Class 10 board examination in the third language (R3). Until dedicated R3 textbooks become available, Class 9 students will use the relevant Class 6 R3 textbooks for their chosen language.
The issue is currently before the Supreme Court following petitions challenging the implementation of the policy. The court has sought responses from the Centre, CBSE and NCERT and is examining whether the new requirement can be implemented in a practical and student-friendly manner.
The Centre is now working on the implementation framework, including issues related to teacher availability, textbooks, language choices and other practical requirements, before the matter is considered further by the Supreme Court.
