The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the CBSE’s decision to make a third language compulsory for students from Class 9, observing that introducing an additional subject at the threshold of board examinations could place an unnecessary burden on students.
The remarks came during hearings related to the implementation of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in Tamil Nadu, where a bench headed by Justice B.V. Nagarathna questioned the timing of introducing a new language requirement. The court noted that academic pressure associated with board examinations often begins well before Class 10, with many students already facing increased workloads from Classes 8 and 9 onwards. In such circumstances, requiring students to learn an entirely new language could add to their stress and affect their overall academic performance.
The bench suggested that if a third language is to be made compulsory, it would be more practical to introduce it at an earlier stage, such as from Class 6, giving students sufficient time to develop proficiency before entering higher classes. Although the observations were made orally and do not amount to a judicial order against the policy, they indicate the court’s concerns regarding its impact on students.
Meanwhile, the CBSE has continued with the implementation of the three-language framework under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Beginning with the 2027-28 academic session, students will be required to pass three languages to obtain their Class 10 pass certificate, with at least two of the languages being Indian languages.
To ease the transition for students entering Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic year, the board has decided against conducting an external board examination for the third language and will instead rely on internal assessments conducted by schools. Students who are unable to clear the subject in Class 9 will be permitted to reappear through school-based assessments in Class 10 before receiving their final certification.
The issue has also highlighted practical challenges for schools and students, particularly for those who had discontinued studying a third language after Class 8 and may now be required to resume it or begin learning a new Indian language. Educational institutions in several regions have also raised concerns regarding the availability of textbooks and trained language teachers to support the transition.
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