SC Asked for Urgent Hearing on Petitions Challenging CBSE Three Language Policy

The Supreme Court on Tuesday was urged to urgently hear petitions challenging the CBSE's policy making the study of three languages compulsory for Class 9 students from the 2026-27 academic session, with petitioners arguing that schools are unprepared to implement the new framework.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for one of the petitioners, requested a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana to list the matter on Wednesday or Thursday, saying students have already begun the academic session while many schools lack trained teachers and prescribed textbooks. Responding to the request, the Chief Justice said, "We will see," but did not pass any order or fix an immediate hearing date.

The Supreme Court had earlier sought responses from the Centre, CBSE, and NCERT on fresh petitions challenging the policy and had listed the matter for hearing on July 29. The Centre, CBSE and NCERT have since filed separate affidavits defending the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, arguing that the three language framework promotes multilingualism, cognitive development and national integration.

The petitioners, however, contend that the policy violates the Right to Education Act, alleging that CBSE is enforcing circulars without providing adequate alternatives or ensuring sufficient infrastructure. During earlier hearings, the apex court directed the Centre to place on record CBSE's logistical preparedness, including the availability of teachers and learning material. While declining to stay the policy, the court acknowledged concerns over implementation challenges, even as it observed that learning an additional language is generally beneficial.

Under the CBSE circular issued on May 15, the revised language scheme came into effect from July 1, 2026, making the study of three languages compulsory for Class 9 students. At least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages. Students opting for a foreign language may study it only as the third language after taking two Indian languages or as an optional fourth language.

Pending publication of dedicated R3 textbooks, schools have been directed to use the Class 6 R3 textbooks (2026-27 edition) for the chosen language. CBSE has also clarified that no board examination will be conducted for the third language at the Class 10 level, saying the decision is aimed at reducing academic pressure while ensuring foundational multilingual learning.