CBSE 3-Language Policy Update: Supreme Court Seeks Exemption for Current Class 6 Students

Supreme Court has directed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to look into providing relief to existing students of class 6 regarding the implementation of three language policy for the current year.

In the three judge bench hearing regarding the petitions against the CBSE three-language policy case, which is presided over by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, it was recommended that CBSE should look into ways of accommodating students of Class 6 that will be impacted by the new policy.

The hearing has been deferred till September 17 and CBSE has been asked to look into whether current batch of class 6 students can be relieved from this policy for the current year.

Supreme Court Suggests Relief for Current Class 6 Batch

While holding the hearing, the bench, comprising of Justices J. Bagchi and V Mohana besides Justice N. V. Ramana, sought the opinion of the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta regarding the possibility of relaxation being provided to the Class 6 students.

It was pointed out by the bench that, in case the choice has been made to start the implementation of the language policy from Class 6 onwards, then there could be a provision of relaxing the students of that particular class.

It was informed by the Solicitor General before the bench that the concerned authorities would discuss the issue and revert to the court.

Petitions Filed Against CBSE Three-Language Policy

The Supreme Court is hearing several petitions challenging the CBSE three-language policy, which requires students to study three languages as part of the curriculum.

The petitioners have raised concerns regarding the implementation process and the impact of the policy on students.

During the hearing, a petitioner’s counsel requested the court not to delay the matter further, stating that students have examinations and the uncertainty is creating concerns among parents.

What Is CBSE Three-Language Policy?

CBSE made some changes in its language policy because of its efforts to align itself with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE, 2023.

As per the circular of CBSE, students must learn three languages, among which at least two should be Indian languages.

The policy has been implemented since July 1 for the Class 9 students. Those who choose foreign languages may do so by learning two Indian languages first or take up a fourth language in addition.

Supreme Court’s Earlier Observation on CBSE Language Policy

Earlier, on August 20, the Supreme Court had observed that a solution should be found regarding concerns raised over the CBSE three-language policy.

The court stated that learning multiple languages is not an issue, but the main concern is related to the way the policy is being implemented.

The bench also highlighted the need to ensure proper infrastructure and availability of teachers for different language options.

The court had earlier suggested that if Class 6 is being considered as the starting point, the Board may provide relaxation to students of the current batch and implement the policy from the next academic year.

Petitioners Raise Concerns Over CBSE Authority

In their submissions, the petitioners have contended that CBSE lacks the jurisdiction to prescribe the curriculum guidelines for classes 6-8 as that function falls under the jurisdiction of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

Before that, on May 27, the Supreme Court had taken up the case challenging the language policy of CBSE and had directed notice be sent to the Center, CBSE, and NCERT.

CBSE Three-Language Policy: Key Details

CBSE Language Policy Update: What Happens Next?

The Supreme Court is going to continue hearing the cases concerning the three-language policy of CBSE on 17th September.

However, it has been suggested that CBSE should contemplate the possibility of exempting students who are in Class 6 in the present academic year from the said policy.

It will be seen what the final verdict will be depending on how things go ahead.

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