SC asks CBSE to revisit three-language policy, mulls relief for Class 6

The Supreme Court on Thursday urged the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to reconsider its three-language policy and suggested giving a reprieve to Class 6 students for the current academic year, with implementation from next year. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard a batch of pleas challenging the CBSE mandate requiring Class 9 students to study three languages including at least two native Indian languages, effective July 1, as part of alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Justice Bagchi raised serious reservations about the term 'native', calling it a colonial connotation and preferred 'indigenous' instead. He questioned whether English should be treated as a non-indigenous language given its deep roots in Indian society. The court also flagged concerns over adequate teacher infrastructure and noted that CBSE jurisdiction for Classes 6 to 8 is disputed, with petitioners arguing that NCERT holds that authority. The court suggested forming an expert committee to address difficulties and posted the matter for further hearing after 10 days.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said she would take instructions and return to court. The bench observed that learning any language is an asset and asked the government to examine how other boards handle language requirements. According to the CBSE circular, students opting for a foreign language can only do so as the third language, after two native Indian languages, or as an additional fourth language.