CBSE 3-language policy: Supreme Court asks board to defer Class 6 rollout

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to consider deferring the implementation of its mandatory three-language policy for Class 6 until January 2027. The board agreed to reconsider the issue and submit a fresh note.A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing a petition challenging the three-language formula in CBSE schools.COURT SEEKS ‘BREATHING SPACE’ FOR STUDENTSJustice Bagchi said the policy could be deferred to provide comfort to children and families. He suggested that students who want to study three languages this year should still be allowed to do so.The court said the third language could remain optional for now, with mandatory implementation beginning in January 2027. It clarified that the suggestions were without prejudice to the rights and contentions of the parties. “Three-language policy implementation is more a balance of logistics and comfort,” the court observed, asking the Centre and CBSE to consider concerns raised by students, parents and schools.Chief Justice Surya Kant also asked the board to examine whether opposition was coming from schools or parents and identify their specific concerns.CBSE AGREES TO RECONSIDER POLICY Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the CBSE, said a committee had been set up to examine the issue. She initially maintained that Class 6 students should follow the policy, pointing out that they would appear for board examinations only after four years.Senior advocate Anand Grover said the authorities had not agreed to relax implementation for Class 6. The ASG said students in Classes 7 to 10 had already been given certain relaxations.Justice Mohana questioned why implementation could not be staggered if a committee was already examining the matter. Bhati then agreed to take the issue back for reconsideration.WHAT THE THREE-LANGUAGE POLICY SAYSThe policy requires Class 6 students to study two native Indian languages. Under the CBSE circular, Class 9 students must study three languages, including at least two native Indian languages, from July 1, 2026.Foreign languages can be selected only as the third language after two native Indian languages or as an additional fourth language. The policy aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.The court also noted concerns about infrastructure, logistics and the definition of indigenous languages. It referred to the possibility of introducing the mandatory third language from January 2027, giving schools and students more time to prepare.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 17, 2026 19:53 IST