CBSE’s Mandatory Third Language Policy Reaches Supreme Court

The controversy surrounding the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and its proposed three-language policy has now reached the Supreme Court. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed challenging the decision to make a third language compulsory for students of Classes 9 and 10 from the 2026-27 academic session. The petition has been submitted by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi on behalf of students, teachers, and parents who believe the new policy is impractical and could place unnecessary academic pressure on students. According to the petition, introducing an additional language requirement at such a crucial stage of education could negatively affect students preparing for their board examinations. The plea argues that many students have not studied an extra language since middle school, and suddenly forcing them to learn two additional languages before Class 10 exams may create confusion, stress, and disruption in the education system. The matter was urgently mentioned before a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. During the hearing request, Mukul Rohatgi reportedly questioned how Class 9 students could suddenly manage additional language subjects alongside their existing academic workload. He stated that the policy could disturb the examination structure and increase pressure on students, schools, and parents alike. Initially, the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) was expected to begin from Class 6. However, the extension of the rule to Classes 9 and 10 has triggered criticism from various groups. Parents have expressed concern that students who have not previously studied another Indian language may struggle to adapt within a short period. The Supreme Court has acknowledged the matter and agreed to hear the case next week. The upcoming hearing is expected to decide whether the implementation of the CBSE three-language policy should continue as planned or face reconsideration. Under the new policy, CBSE-affiliated schools are required to ensure that students study three languages instead of two, with at least two being Indian languages. This means that alongside Hindi and English, students may have to study one more Indian language as part of the revised curriculum.