Supreme Court extends third-language relaxations to CBSE Class 6 students

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to extend certain relaxations under its three-language framework to students currently enrolled in Class 6.

The direction means that Class 6 students will continue with the newly introduced third-language requirement, but will receive the same examination-related exemption and language flexibility that has been made available to students in Classes 7 and 8.

Under the arrangement, students will not be required to take the third language as a CBSE Board examination subject in Class 10. The relaxation is intended to provide greater flexibility to students during the transition to the revised language framework.

The court has also addressed the situation of Class 6 students who are already studying two non-native languages. Such students can retain their existing language combination and take an additional Bharatiya Bhasha as their third language.

This means students in this category will not have to discontinue either of the two languages they are currently learning simply to comply with the revised three-language structure.

Background to CBSE’s Three-Language Framework

CBSE introduced the revised language arrangement for the 2026–27 academic session in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023. The framework provides for the introduction of a third language in Class 6, with two of the three languages expected to be Bharatiya Bhashas under the new structure.

The implementation has been accompanied by several transitional provisions for students already studying under the earlier language structure. CBSE had earlier issued directions concerning language combinations, exemptions and arrangements for students moving through the transition period.

The Supreme Court had also considered concerns surrounding the rollout of the policy, including the preparedness of schools and the practical challenges associated with introducing additional languages. In an earlier hearing in September, the court had asked CBSE to reconsider the timing of implementation for Class 6.

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With the latest direction, Class 6 students will now receive additional flexibility while continuing under the revised three-language framework.

The decision provides clarity for schools, students and parents navigating the transition to CBSE’s updated language policy for the 2026–27 academic session.