Supreme Court Questions CBSE’s Third Language Rule for Class 9, Says It May Increase Student Stress
New Delhi, 16th July 2026: The Supreme Court on Thursday raised concerns over the Centre’s decision to introduce a compulsory third language for CBSE Class 9 students, observing that the move could place additional stress on students at a critical stage of their academic journey.
A bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma made the observations while hearing a petition challenging CBSE’s revised three-language policy introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP).
Justice Nagarathna noted that students entering Class 9 are already under pressure as they begin preparing for their board examinations. Introducing a new language at this stage, she said, could become an unnecessary academic burden. The bench suggested that if a third language is to be made compulsory, it would be more appropriate to introduce it in lower classes, such as Class 5 or 6, when children are generally more adaptable to learning new languages.
The petition before the court challenges the implementation of the three-language framework for Class 9, arguing that it places undue pressure on students. The petitioner has sought a review of the policy and requested relief from its implementation.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court did not grant any interim relief but issued notices to the Centre and the CBSE, seeking their responses to the plea.
The matter is expected to be heard again after the Centre and the education board file their replies.
This is the latest legal focus of the implementation of the National Education Policy’s language framework, with concerns being raised over its timing and its impact on students transitioning into secondary education.
