Supreme Court Hears Pleas Challenging CBSE’s Three-Language Policy for Class 9

The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard petitions challenging the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) decision to make a third language compulsory for Class 9 students from the 2026–27 academic year. Senior Advocates Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Anand Grover urged the court to hear the matter at the earliest without further adjournments, pointing to concerns among students and parents as examinations approach. The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, assured the bench that he would consult CBSE officials and return with the government’s response.

The bench also asked the government to consider providing relaxation to certain students who had already been promoted under the existing system. During the hearing, the court issued notice on a fresh petition challenging the policy and posted the matter for further hearing on September 17. The case will be closely watched by schools, students and parents as the new language requirement is scheduled to take effect from the 2026–27 academic year.