Supreme Court Asks CBSE to Consider 2027 Start for Three-Language Rule in Class 6

The Supreme Court has asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to reconsider the timing of its new three-language requirement for Class 6 students. The court has suggested that mandatory implementation for the current batch could begin from January 2027, giving schools, students and families additional time to prepare.

CBSE to Reconsider the Timeline

The suggestion came during a hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana.

The CBSE had earlier opposed giving the present Class 6 batch a one-time exemption, citing concerns about continuity in language learning. Following the court’s latest observation, the Board has agreed to reconsider the matter and submit a fresh response.

Three Languages Under the Revised Framework

Under the revised CBSE framework, students are required to study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages.

The change is linked to the multilingual education approach outlined under the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. CBSE introduced the third-language requirement for Class VI from the 2026-27 academic session.

Court Raises Transition Concerns

The Supreme Court’s latest suggestion centres on the timing of the change rather than the broader language framework.

The bench indicated that introducing a new requirement during an ongoing academic session could give students and schools limited time to adjust. The court suggested that students currently in Class 6 could be allowed to take the third language voluntarily for now, while the mandatory requirement could begin from January 2027.

CBSE Working on Implementation Issues

The Board has also been examining practical aspects of the new system, including language choices, availability of teachers, textbooks and other learning resources.

CBSE has constituted a committee to monitor implementation of the three-language framework across Classes 6 to 10 and identify issues that schools may face while putting the new structure into practice.

Final Decision Yet to Be Taken

The Supreme Court’s suggestion does not amount to a final change in the CBSE rule. The Board and the Centre are expected to consider the proposal and return with their response at the next hearing.

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For the time being, the question of when the three-language requirement should become mandatory for the current Class 6 batch remains before the court.