Ease three-language rule for Class 6, SC tells CBSE

21 AUGUST 2026

One-Time Relief for Class 6 Students

The Supreme Court asked the CBSE to consider giving the current Class 6 students a one-time exemption from appearing for the mandatory third-language examination in Class 10.
The Court questioned why these students should be required to take the third-language Board examination when the policy is being introduced for the first time for their batch.
The Court wanted CBSE to provide students with some time to adjust to the new language requirements.

Gradual Implementation of the Policy

Justice Bagchi suggested a system in which students could learn their mother tongue, another Indian language and an additional Indian or foreign language.
The Supreme Court suggested that the three-language policy should be introduced gradually rather than being imposed suddenly on students.
The Court suggested that language learning could begin in earlier classes, when children are younger and have more time to adapt.

Need for Adequate Infrastructure

The Court pointed out that the successful implementation of the policy would require adequate teachers, textbooks and other educational resources.
It stated that the necessary infrastructure should be developed across different education Boards before the policy is fully implemented.
CBSE was asked to consider how it would develop the human resources required to teach three languages effectively.

Concern About Foreign Languages

Lawyers opposing the policy argued that treating English as a foreign language could reduce the opportunity for students to study other foreign languages.
They pointed out that students who choose English as their additional language may have little opportunity to study languages such as French, Japanese or Spanish.
They argued that learning an additional foreign language could provide students with greater educational and employment opportunities.

Status of English

The petitioners argued that the policy effectively places English alongside other foreign languages such as French, Japanese and Spanish.
Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that English could hardly be considered a foreign language in the Indian context.
The CBSE’s representative stated that English is an official language under the Constitution, although it is not considered a native Indian language.
She also emphasised that language serves as a vehicle for transmitting culture.