CBSE 3-language policy for Class 9: Centre seeks a week to work on SC suggestions

The Centre told the Supreme Court that CBSE is working on implementing the Class 9 three-language policy. The court has stressed that the new language requirement should not put undue pressure on students.

In Short

• Centre said CBSE is finalising modalities for implementing the language policy
• Supreme Court deferred the hearing by a week after recording submissions
• Bench stressed students should not face pressure during the transition

The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that it was working on suggestions related to the implementation of the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) three-language policy for Class 9 students.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, told a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana that the CBSE was working out the various modalities and sought more time.

Taking note of the submission, the Supreme Court deferred the matter by a week.

The development comes days after the top court asked the Centre and the CBSE to find a practical solution to concerns surrounding the new language requirement, while stressing that children should not be put under unnecessary pressure.

WHAT THE COURT WANTS FIXED

On August 20, the Supreme Court said there was nothing wrong with introducing the three-language policy itself. However, it noted that the petitioners’ concern was about the manner in which the policy was being implemented.

The court had asked authorities to revisit some of the difficulties and find solutions to possible “impediments or blockades” in implementing the policy.

One of the key issues flagged by the bench was the availability of adequate human resources to teach the different language options offered to students.

The court had also emphasised the need to streamline the policy so that students do not face additional pressure because of its implementation.

WHAT THE NEW CBSE RULE SAYS

Under a CBSE circular issued on May 15, the study of three languages — R1, R2 and R3 — has been made compulsory for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026.

At least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages. Students can opt for a foreign language only as their third language after studying two native Indian languages, or as an additional fourth language.

The policy is part of CBSE’s alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.

NO BOARD EXAM FOR R3

CBSE has said no Class 10 board examination will be conducted for R3, keeping the focus on learning and reducing pressure on students.

Until dedicated R3 textbooks are available, students will use Class 6 R3 textbooks for the chosen language.

The policy is already before the Supreme Court after it agreed on May 27 to hear a plea challenging the changes and sought responses from the Centre, CBSE and NCERT.

(With PTI inputs)

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