SC Seeks CBSE, NCERT, Centre's Response On Challenge To Three-Language Policy For Classes 6-9

Last Updated:May 27, 2026, 18:49 IST

Supreme Court seeks Centre, CBSE, NCERT replies on plea against three-language mandate for classes 6 to 9, hearing set after summer vacation around July 15 to 16.

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on the plea challenging the mandate on three languages including two regional languages from class 6 to class 9.

According to Bar and Bench, a bench comprising of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi while issuing notice, noted that the logistical concerns arising from the implementation of the policy would require closer examination.

“Let us have a comprehensive reply. We can hear on June 15. There will be logistical issues," observed CJI Kant.

The CBSE’s revised framework, issued through a recent circular, mandates that from July 1, Class 9 students must study three languages (R1, R2, and R3), with at least two being Indian languages. The reform is part of the board’s effort to align its curriculum with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.

Under the new structure, students may choose a foreign language only as the third or fourth language after completing the requirement of two Indian languages. The board has also clarified that R3 will not carry a board exam in Class 10; instead, it will be assessed internally by schools and reflected in student certificates.

According to Bar and Bench, the petitioners, including parents and teachers from multiple cities, have argued that the sudden implementation imposes an additional academic burden mid-session. They further argued that this will disrupt preparation for Class 10 board examinations.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the petitioning parents and teachers, argued that students who are already studying subjects such as Tamil, English and French would now be required to take up an additional Indian language.

Besides, senior advocate Kapil Sibal raised constitutional concerns and said: “There are Constitutional issues of federalism and of choices… language is a matter of choice."

In response, Justice Bagchi said the Court’s immediate focus would not be on the Constitutional issue of federalism. “We are not on the federal issue. This is increasing the number of regional languages. There are issues of teachers, books etc."

Appearing for the CBSE, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati said: “I am ready today. There is no urgency for June 15. Only classes will start. Everything will be subject to orders of this court."

The matter will be heard next on July 15 or 16 after the Court’s summer vacation.

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