CBSE 3-Language Policy: Centre Preparing Implementation Plan, SC Gets Update

The Central Government has informed the Supreme Court that it is working on suggestions related to the implementation of the CBSE three-language policy for Class 9 students. The policy requires students to study three languages, including at least two Indian languages.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed a Supreme Court bench that the CBSE is currently working on different implementation plans and needs more time to finalise the details. The Centre has requested one more week to submit its response.

Centre Seeks More Time for CBSE Language Policy Implementation

The Supreme Court accepted the Centre’s request and postponed the hearing for one week. Earlier, on August 20, the court highlighted the need to ensure that students do not face unnecessary pressure due to the new language policy.

The court said that introducing the three-language policy was not an issue, but the main concern was about its implementation process. The bench suggested that practical challenges should be addressed before applying the policy completely.

The Supreme Court observed that proper planning is required to solve issues related to language options available in schools. It also highlighted the need to develop enough resources and teachers for different language choices.

CBSE Three-Language Policy for Class 9 Students

The CBSE introduced the three-language policy as part of its alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023.

According to the CBSE circular, students entering Class 9 from July 1, 2026, will have to study three languages. Out of these, at least two languages must be Indian languages.

Students who want to study a foreign language can choose it only as the third language after selecting two Indian languages. It can also be taken as an additional fourth language.

CBSE Guidelines for Schools and Students

The CBSE has stated that until separate R3 textbooks are available, schools can use Class 6 R3 textbooks of the selected language for Class 9 students.

The board has also clarified that there will be no Class 10 board examination for the R3 language. This decision has been taken to reduce additional pressure on students and keep the focus on language learning.

Schools have also been asked to update their available R3 language options for Classes 6 to 9 on the OASIS portal.

Supreme Court Hearing on CBSE Language Policy

On May 27, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a petition challenging the CBSE three-language policy and issued notices to the Centre, CBSE, and NCERT.

The court is reviewing concerns related to the implementation process and whether schools have enough infrastructure and resources to provide multiple language options.

The final decision on the implementation process will depend on further submissions by the Centre and the CBSE before the Supreme Court.

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