The Supreme Court of India has intensified its scrutiny of the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) updated three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. During the latest hearing, the Centre stated that it has an "issue" with categorizing English as a "non-native" or foreign language, while assuring the court that it will act quickly to address concerns regarding the current batch of Class 6 students.
The controversy stems from guidelines issued by the CBSE aligning school curricula with the NEP 2020 framework. Under the scheme, students are required to study three languages, at least two of which must be native Indian languages (Bhartiya Bhashas). Because English falls outside the Indian native classification, students choosing English fill their single allowable non-native slot, effectively pushing out options like French, German, or Japanese.
Supreme Court Questions English Classification and Practical Feasibility
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, raised fundamental questions about treating English as a non-native language. Justice Bagchi noted that English serves as an official language in courts and government administration, making its classification as "foreign" or "non-indigenous" constitutionally and practical problematic.
Furthermore, the apex court voiced deep concerns over implementation bottlenecks, including severe shortages of trained language teachers, learning materials, and infrastructure needed to support 23 regional language options across thousands of affiliated schools.
Relief for Class 6 Students on the Anvil
The court urged the central government to grant a one-time exemption to students who entered Class 6 in the 2026 academic session. While students in Classes 7 through 9 were granted temporary relaxations, current Class 6 pupils were slated to face full implementation, culminating in a compulsory third-language Board examination in Class 10 by 2031.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the bench that the government would hold high-level consultations immediately to evaluate a reprieve for Class 6 students so they are not burdened by sudden board exam requirements.
Why This Matters for Parents and Students
The dispute directly impacts nearly three million school children across India. Switching languages mid-stream forces many students to give up foreign or regional languages they have studied for years. The court noted that while multilingual learning is beneficial, introducing it abruptly without adequate infrastructure creates unnecessary academic stress. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next detailed hearing for September 17, 2026, when the government is expected to present a clear roadmap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the CBSE three-language policy?
The three-language policy mandates that students study three languages in school, with at least two being native Indian languages (Bhartiya Bhashas). It is designed to promote multilingualism under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Q2: Why is the classification of English controversial in the Supreme Court?
English is classified as a non-native language under the guidelines. The Supreme Court questioned this status because English functions as an official administrative and judicial language in India and has deep social roots.
Q3: What relief is being considered for Class 6 students?
The Supreme Court suggested granting the current Class 6 batch a one-time exemption so that they will not have to take a mandatory Class 10 Board exam in a newly assigned third language by 2031.
Q4: Will students studying foreign languages like French or German be affected?
Yes. Since the rule requires two native Indian languages, students can pick only one non-native language. If a student selects English, they generally cannot choose another foreign language within the main three-language framework.