Supreme Court Urges CBSE to Exempt Class 6 Students From Three-Language Policy This Year

The Supreme Court has again asked CBSE to consider exempting current Class 6 students from the three-language policy, with the next hearing scheduled for September 17.

The Supreme Court has once again asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to consider exempting current Class 6 students from the three-language policy for the 2026–27 academic session.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, asked the CBSE to examine whether Class 6 students could be given a one-year reprieve. The court said the relaxation could provide students and schools with more time to adjust to the new system.

The Supreme Court’s latest intervention follows its earlier observations that the implementation of the policy should not put undue pressure on children. The court had previously suggested that if Class 6 was chosen as the starting point, the policy could instead be introduced for that batch from the next academic year.

What is the three-language policy?

Under CBSE’s revised scheme, R3 (third language) is being introduced from Class 6 in the 2026–27 session, in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. CBSE had directed affiliated schools to begin implementation and update their chosen third-language options.

Separately, CBSE has made the study of three languages, including at least two Indian languages, mandatory for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026. Students may choose a foreign language as the third language only after selecting two Indian languages, or as an additional fourth language.

The Centre has assured the Supreme Court that CBSE officials will consider the suggestion regarding Class 6 and report back to the court. The matter has been posted for further hearing on September 17, 2026.

The court’s intervention does not, at this stage, amount to a final exemption. The CBSE’s decision following the court’s suggestion will determine whether the current Class 6 batch receives the proposed relief.