The Supreme Court on September 17, 2026, asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to consider introducing its three-language policy for Class 6 students from the 2027-28 academic session instead of applying the revised framework to the batch currently studying in Class 6.
The court’s suggestion came during the hearing of petitions challenging CBSE’s language policy. CBSE, represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, informed the Bench that it would consider the suggestion and return with a fresh note.
Supreme Court Suggests Deferring Class 6 Language Policy to 2027
The three-judge Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana clarified that the suggestions were without prejudice to the rights and contentions of the parties, and the broader issues concerning the policy would be decided separately. The court also indicated that students currently in Class 6 who wish to study three languages during the ongoing academic year could be allowed to do so.
CBSE Three-Language Policy: What Is the Issue?
CBSE issued guidelines on the three-language policy in June 2026 as part of the implementation of the language framework for the 2026-27 academic session. Under the guidelines, students in Class 6 are required to study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages, or Bhartiya Bhashas. The policy is intended to align CBSE’s scheme of studies with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework.
CBSE’s June 29 guidelines stated that the introduction of a third language in Classes 9 and 10 extends language learning from the middle stage, where three languages are studied in Classes 6 to 8.
What Does the CBSE Policy Say for Class 6?
According to the existing CBSE guidelines for the 2026-27 batch, Class 6 students have to study three languages, of which two must be Bhartiya Bhashas. The students in this batch and subsequent Class 6 batches are also expected to take a CBSE Board examination in the third language when they reach Class 10.
CBSE has said that dedicated third-language textbooks for Class 6 in 22 scheduled Bhartiya Bhashas are being made available through NCERT resources. The board has also provided various transitional arrangements and exemptions for specified categories of students.
CBSE Three-Language Policy for Class 9 Students
For students currently in Class 9 during the 2026-27 academic session, CBSE’s framework requires three languages, with at least two being Bhartiya Bhashas. The board has provided a one-time relaxation for students who were already studying two non-native languages. Such students can continue those languages and add one Bhartiya Bhasha as the third language.
CBSE has also clarified that the third language for this Class 9 batch will be assessed through school-based internal assessment, and there will be no CBSE Board examination in the third language when this batch moves to Class 10.
What Did the Supreme Court Ask CBSE?
The Supreme Court has not issued a final order deferring the policy. Instead, it asked CBSE to consider implementing the three-language requirement for the current Class 6 batch from the next academic session beginning in 2027. CBSE has agreed to reconsider the suggestion and submit a fresh note to the court.
This distinction is important for students and schools because the existing CBSE framework for the 2026-27 Class 6 batch remains the published policy unless and until CBSE issues revised directions.
What Happens Next for Class 6 Students?
CBSE is expected to consider the Supreme Court’s suggestion and provide its response through the ongoing proceedings. Until any revised instructions are formally issued, schools and parents should refer to the latest CBSE communication regarding language selection and implementation.
The Supreme Court has also made clear that students currently in Class 6 who wish to study three languages this year may be permitted to do so, subject to the board’s consideration and subsequent instructions.
The Supreme Court matter concerning the CBSE three-language policy therefore remains under consideration. Students, parents and schools should follow official CBSE notifications for the final position on the Class 6 language framework for the 2026-27 academic session.
