The Supreme Court has raised several questions about the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) revised three-language policy, asking the Centre, NCERT and CBSE to reconsider aspects of its implementation.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, was hearing petitions challenging CBSE circulars related to the implementation of the three-language policy from the 2026–27 academic session. The court clarified that it had not struck down the policy, but asked CBSE to go back to the drawing board and examine its practical implementation.
Court Questions the Classification of English
One of the major issues raised during the hearing was the classification of English as a “non-native” language. Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned whether English could be described this way given its long history and widespread use in India.
The court also expressed concern about the terminology of “native” and its historical and constitutional implications.
Concerns Over Teachers and Learning Resources
The Supreme Court also asked whether CBSE schools have enough trained teachers and textbooks to offer the proposed range of languages. The court emphasised that simply listing languages as options is not enough; students should have a genuine opportunity to study the language they choose.
CBSE was asked to prepare a roadmap showing the availability of teachers and other resources for the languages covered under the policy.
Relief for Existing Class 6 Students Considered
The bench also asked CBSE to examine whether students who are already in Class 6 could receive relief from the new language requirement. The court suggested that students who have already selected their languages might be treated differently, while the revised arrangement could begin with a fresh batch of Class 6 students after giving them sufficient information about their choices.
The Chief Justice noted that uncertainty is natural when a new policy is introduced and stressed that there should be no sense of inferiority associated with a person's mother tongue or local language.
The Supreme Court has asked the Centre, NCERT and CBSE to reconsider the concerns raised and return with their views.
