Mumbai, May 29: The Supreme Court has announced an investigation into the implementation of the CBSE’s Three-Language Rule for Class 9 students. During a hearing on May 27, the court expressed concerns regarding the pressure this policy may place on students and resources. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, leading a three-judge bench, emphasized the need to understand the ground-level and systemic challenges in enforcing this policy, especially given the shortage of teachers and textbooks.
The court has issued notices to the central government, CBSE, and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in response to a petition challenging the Three-Language Rule. The next hearing is scheduled for July 1, having been postponed from June 15 at the request of Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati.
On May 15, CBSE announced the implementation of the Three-Language Formula for Class 9, which is set to take effect on July 1. Students have until May 31 to select their third language. According to the circular, at least two of the three languages must be Indian languages, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.
CBSE clarified that there will be no board examination for the third language in Class 10, stating that the evaluation will be conducted internally at the school level. Students must pass this internal assessment to receive their Class 10 certificate.
The petitioners, which include students, parents, and teachers, argue that this decision contradicts CBSE’s earlier stance that the Three-Language Rule would not be enforced until the 2029-30 academic session. They claim that the implementation of this rule without adequate infrastructure and trained teachers is unjust.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear this matter on Monday, affecting approximately 5 million students in Classes 9 and 10. The petitioners also contend that the circular goes against the spirit of the NEP, which states that no language should be imposed on any state or student.
Under the Three-Language Policy, students in Classes 9 and 10 are required to study three languages, including two Indian languages. Schools must inform CBSE of their chosen third language by June 30.