Supreme Court asks CBSE not to introduce third language in Class 9
The Supreme Court of India has advised the CBSE against introducing a third language in Class 9, citing concerns over student stress and logistical challenges. The court has issued notices to the government and education boards to review the policy.
Why it matters
The ruling impacts national education policy and the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 regarding multilingualism.
Supreme Court Justice B.V. Nagarathna on Thursday (July 16, 2026) lashed out at the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for introducing a third language in Class 9, stating that it would only add to children’s stress. Justice Nagarathna suggested that the third language should be introduced in Class 6 and discontinued in Class 9, rather than being introduced in Class 9.
“Tell the Union government not to do this... Union of India, please do not have third language in Class 9. Pressure [of the Board exams] starts for children in Class 8,” Justice Nagarathna said.
Earlier, a three-judge Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the Court was more concerned about the logistical and factual challenges of implementing third language policy in the face of a dearth of teachers and books.
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