The Supreme Court of India will hear next week a petition challenging the new CBSE Three-Language policy for Class 9 students.
The plea opposes the latest Central Board of Secondary Education rule that makes it compulsory for students to study three languages, including at least two Indian languages, from July 1. The matter was mentioned urgently before a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi.
Petition Challenges CBSE Three-Language Policy
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for students, parents, and teachers, told the court that the new CBSE Three-Language policy could increase academic pressure on students.
He described the matter as an urgent public interest litigation and requested an immediate hearing. According to the petitioners, the sudden change in the CBSE syllabus may create confusion and practical difficulties for schools and students across the country. The Chief Justice said the matter would likely be listed during the Supreme Court’s miscellaneous hearing week next week.
What is the Three-Language Policy?
Under the revised CBSE syllabus, Class 9 students will now study three languages called R1, R2, and R3. The board has made it compulsory for at least two of these languages to be Indian native languages.
Students can choose a foreign language only as their third or fourth language after meeting the Indian language requirement. The policy is part of CBSE’s efforts to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.
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No Board Exam for Third Language in Class 10
CBSE has clarified that the third language, known as R3, will not have a separate board examination in Class 10. Instead, schools will conduct internal assessments, and the results will be mentioned in student certificates.
Until new textbooks are prepared, students will use Class 6-level study material for the third language subject. The board has also allowed schools to use supplementary learning material to support teaching.
CBSE Suggests Flexible Teaching Arrangements
To help schools implement the new CBSE Three-Language policy, the board has suggested several flexible options. These include:
- Inter-school teacher sharing
- Online teaching support
- Hiring retired or qualified language teachers
CBSE has also announced relaxations for children with special needs and possible exemptions for students returning from foreign countries.
More Changes Planned in CBSE Syllabus
Apart from the language policy, CBSE has also proposed more reforms in the CBSE syllabus. The board plans to introduce a two-level system for mathematics and science subjects at the secondary level from the 2026–27 academic session. These upcoming changes are aimed at giving students more flexibility based on their learning needs and future academic goals.
