CBSE 3-Language Policy 2026: SC Asks Board to Exempt Current Class 6 Batch from Board Exam

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday, August 20, 2026, asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to consider exempting current Class 6 students from its three-language policy, specifically from the mandatory Class 10 Board examination in the third language. This directive comes amidst concerns over the sudden implementation of the policy and its potential impact on students and educational infrastructure. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana, deferred the next hearing on a batch of pleas challenging the policy to September 17, 2026.

The court’s intervention provides a potential reprieve for the present Class 6 batch, which was slated to face full implementation of the three-language policy, including a mandatory Class 10 Board exam in the third language by 2031. Petitioners have raised significant concerns regarding the policy’s sudden rollout, the pressure it places on students, the lack of adequate teaching resources and textbooks, and questions surrounding CBSE’s jurisdiction to frame curriculum for Classes 6 to 8.

CBSE 3-Language Policy 2026: Supreme Court’S Observations and Directives

During the hearing on August 20, 2026, Justice Joymalya Bagchi specifically questioned Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati on why current Class 6 students should not be granted a reprieve from appearing for the third language exam in Class 10. Justice Bagchi emphasised the need for sufficient time for both students and educational infrastructure to adapt to such a significant policy change, suggesting that the scheme should ideally be introduced to younger children in lower classes. The bench urged Ms. Bhati to seek instructions on three key issues: a one-time reprieve for current Class 6 students, the development of human resources for the scheme, and initiating the policy in earlier classes.

The Supreme Court also observed that English could hardly be considered a foreign language in the Indian context, with Justice Bagchi expressing reservations about the term ‘native’ used in CBSE circulars due to its ‘colonial import’. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that all parties would convene and revert with a response. The bench suggested that if Class 6 was chosen as the starting point for the policy, a reprieve for the current batch could be considered, with full implementation commencing from the next academic year.

Concerns Raised by Petitioners Against the Policy

Senior advocate Anand Grover, representing the petitioners, argued that the three-language policy, by mandating at least two native Indian languages, effectively restricts students to only one foreign language slot. This, he contended, pushes out other foreign languages like French or Japanese, which many students from middle- and lower-class homes pursue for enhanced employment opportunities. Mr. Grover also highlighted the inadequacy of available textbooks, noting that online resources for the third language scheme begin with compound sentences, making it challenging for beginners.

Advocate Shraddha Deshmukh pointed out that under the policy, children who do not clear the third-language requirement at the Class 9 level would not receive their passing certificate in Class 10. Petitioners further argued that CBSE lacks the jurisdiction to frame curriculum for Classes 6 to 8, a responsibility that typically falls under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). They also contended that directing Class 9 students to use Class 6 textbooks and allowing teachers with ‘functional proficiency’ to teach the third language compromises educational quality.

CBSE 3-Language Policy 2026: Background and Implementation Details

The three-language policy is part of CBSE’s alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE), 2023. A circular issued by CBSE on May 15, 2026, stipulated that the study of three languages (R1, R2, R3) would be compulsory for all students in Class 9 from July 1, 2026. This circular mandated that at least two of these three languages must be native Indian languages, with foreign languages relegated to R3 or an additional fourth language.

The May 15 circular also directed Class 9 students to use Class 6 R3 textbooks as the primary pedagogical resource until dedicated secondary-stage textbooks become available. It permitted schools to engage teachers of other subjects with ‘functional proficiency’ to teach R3 as an interim arrangement. While all R3 assessments were to be entirely school-based and internal, with no Board Examination at the Class 10 level, R3 performance would be reflected in the CBSE certificate. Schools were instructed to update their R3 offerings on the OASIS portal by June 30, 2026.

CBSE’s transitional guidelines, issued on June 29, 2026, provided some relief to students in Classes 7, 8, and 9 who were already studying two non-native languages. However, students entering Class 6 in the 2026-27 academic year and subsequent batches were to be fully subject to the policy, including a Class 10 board examination in the third language. The Supreme Court had initially agreed to examine a plea challenging the policy on May 27, 2026, issuing notices to the Centre, CBSE, and NCERT.

CBSE 3-Language Policy 2026: Important Dates

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

View all posts →