Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over CBSE's Third Language Policy for Class IX

Supreme Court's Stance on Language Policy

New Delhi: On Thursday, the Supreme Court expressed its apprehensions regarding the implementation of a third language in the Class IX curriculum under the CBSE, indicating that this could heighten student stress levels. The court suggested that the introduction of a new language should occur in Class V or VI instead.

A bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan urged the Centre to reconsider the timing of this policy, stating, "Union of India, please don’t implement a third language from Class IX. It would unnecessarily increase the stress level of students. If you wish to introduce a new language, please do so at Class V or Class VII, but not at Class IX, which is already stressful starting from Class VIII," Justice Nagarathna remarked.

These comments arose during the hearing of a plea from the Tamil Nadu government, which is contesting a Madras High Court order mandating the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in every district of the state.

The Tamil Nadu government has consistently opposed the establishment of JNVs, primarily due to concerns regarding the three-language policy implemented in these schools.

While the bench was not directly addressing the new CBSE policy, it made significant observations regarding the timing of introducing a third language in educational institutions.

Another Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, is currently reviewing challenges to the new CBSE policy and has recently declined to stay the notification.

During the proceedings, the counsel for the Tamil Nadu government reiterated that the state's objections were centered around the three-language policy.

Justice Nagarathna pointed out that the policy does not explicitly require Hindi to be the third language, stating, "The State language must be taught, English must be taught, and any third language can be included. It doesn’t specify Hindi."

Advocate G Priyadarshini, representing the NGO "Kumari Maha Sabha," which initiated the petition in the High Court, argued that the National Education Policy explicitly states that no language should be imposed on any state.

Justice Nagarathna then questioned the state, "If you don’t want Hindi, what about Sanskrit?"

The state counsel responded that the third language becomes compulsory only from Class IX.

In response, Justice Nagarathna expressed her disapproval, saying, "Class IX is very stressful. Why introduce a new language at this level? Why not start it in Class VI?"

She reminisced about her own school experience, noting that students had the option to choose their third language in Class IX.

Justice Nagarathna mentioned that students in her school began learning the third language during middle school, with options like Kannada for those who had Hindi as a second language and vice versa, including Sanskrit as a possibility.

She also advised the Tamil Nadu government against dismissing Central schemes solely because they originate from the Centre, stating, "You may have your education system, but don’t obstruct Central government schools... Don’t adopt an attitude of rejecting Union government schemes just because they come from the Centre."

The bench acknowledged that discussions between the Centre and the State regarding the establishment of Navodaya schools were ongoing.

"Talks have not concluded. If they fail, then we will need to address the merits of the case," the bench noted.

The state counsel requested additional time to gather further instructions on the matter.

The bench observed that a new administration has taken charge in the state and remarked that it remains to be seen what policy direction the new government will pursue.

The case has been scheduled for further hearing on August 11.

The Tamil Nadu government is contesting a 2017 High Court ruling that mandated the establishment of a JNV in every district.

The High Court had determined that the state's refusal to allow JNVs infringed upon students' rights to choose educational institutions and was inconsistent with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act of 2009.

The Supreme Court had stayed the High Court's directives on December 11, 2017, following the state government's challenge to the decision.

On December 15, 2025, the Supreme Court modified the stay order, directing the state to identify the necessary land for establishing Navodaya Vidyalayas in each district within six weeks, with a report to be submitted to the court. This directive was issued in the interest of students eligible for admission to these schools in Tamil Nadu.

The Supreme Court also instructed representatives from both the State and the Centre to engage in discussions regarding the establishment of these schools.