Supreme Court Seeks CBSE and NCERT Response on Mandatory Third Language for Class 9
The Supreme Court has asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to provide detailed responses to a public interest litigation challenging the decision to make a third language compulsory for Class 9 students starting from the 2026-27 academic session.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M Pancholi issued notices in the matter and deferred the hearing until the second week of July. The court also directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to submit a report on the preparedness and arrangements made for implementing the new language policy.
Petitioners Raise Strong Objections
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the petitioners, informed the court that according to a CBSE circular dated May 15, 2026, students would be required to study three languages from the upcoming academic session. He pointed out that many schools have yet to receive the necessary textbooks, creating significant practical difficulties.
In a related matter, senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the case touches upon important constitutional and federal issues. He emphasized that language is a matter of personal choice and cannot be imposed on anyone against their will.
During the proceedings, the petitioners requested an interim stay on the implementation of the policy for the new session beginning July 1, 2026. However, the Supreme Court did not issue any interim order at this stage, with the Chief Justice simply stating, “We will see.”
Background of the Case
The petition has been filed under Article 32 by 19 individuals, including parents and teachers from Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and Chennai. It challenges CBSE circular number Acad-33/2026 dated May 15, 2026.
According to the circular, Class 9 students must study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages. Foreign languages can only be taken as a third or optional fourth language.
The petitioners argue that CBSE had clarified on April 9, 2026, that the mandatory third language requirement would not take effect until the 2029-30 session. Based on this assurance, schools and parents had planned their academic schedules accordingly. The sudden reversal of this position has created widespread confusion and disruption.
Allegations of Constitutional Violations
The petition contends that the policy is being implemented despite a shortage of trained teachers and appropriate textbooks. It alleges that the decision violates Articles 14, 21A, and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India.
Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, the petitioners note that it explicitly states no language should be imposed on any student or state. The petition seeks the following reliefs:
- Quashing of the May 15, 2026 circular issued by CBSE
- Restoration of the position that existed before the April 9, 2026 clarification
- A stay on applying the new policy to current students
Concerns Over Readiness and Implementation
The petitioners highlighted that several schools across the country are not equipped to introduce a third language at such short notice. Infrastructure gaps, lack of qualified language teachers, and unavailability of prescribed textbooks are among the key concerns raised before the court.
Parents argue that the sudden policy shift places an undue burden on students who have already planned their subject selections for the upcoming academic year. The lack of clarity has also created anxiety among families who are uncertain about how the new requirement will affect their children’s academic load and performance.
The case raises broader questions about the federal structure of education in India, where states have their own language policies and curricula. The petitioners argue that imposing a uniform three-language formula through a central board could conflict with state-level educational frameworks and choices.
Legal experts following the case suggest that the Supreme Court’s decision could have far-reaching implications for language policy in school education across the country. The court’s request for a detailed report on implementation readiness indicates that it is taking a careful and considered approach to the matter.
The next hearing is scheduled for July, by which time CBSE and NCERT are expected to submit their responses along with the report on preparedness. Until then, the policy remains in effect, though the court has not ruled out the possibility of interim relief at a later stage.
