SC Suggests CBSE Defer Three-Language Policy for Class 6 From Next Academic Year

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the CBSE to consider deferring implementation of its three-language policy for Class 6 students until the 2027-28 academic session, saying the move could provide relief to students currently enrolled in the class.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana made the suggestion while hearing a plea challenging the policy. Justice Bagchi said the CBSE could consider postponing the implementation from the next academic year “just to comfort the children”.

Students currently in Class 6 who wish to study three languages from this academic year could also be permitted to do so, the bench said.Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for CBSE, said the board would consider the suggestions and return to the court on Wednesday after consulting officials.The CBSE had earlier said extending the existing relaxation to students currently in Class 6 may not be feasible as it could create learning gaps and delay the rollout of the policy.

The board informed the court that it had constituted a committee on September 16 to facilitate and monitor implementation of the three-language framework in Classes 6 to 10. The committee will review language options offered by schools, assess the availability of qualified teachers and examine textbooks, digital content and other learning resources. It will also recommend measures to address implementation challenges.

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

Under the revised framework, Class 9 students are required to study three languages, including at least two native Indian languages. Foreign languages can be selected as the third language only after two Indian languages, or as an additional fourth language.

The Supreme Court had on May 27 agreed to examine a challenge to the policy and sought responses from the Centre, CBSE and NCERT.

The bench clarified that its latest suggestions were without prejudice to the rights and contentions of the parties, with the substantive issues to be decided later.