SC questions CBSE’s class 9 three-language rule, cites student stress

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) decision to introduce a compulsory third language for Class 9 students, observing that the move could place unnecessary academic pressure on students preparing for their board examinations.

During the hearing, the court remarked that Class 9 is a crucial stage in a student's academic journey and introducing a new language at this point may increase stress.

The bench suggested that if an additional language is to be introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP), it would be more appropriate to begin from Class 6 rather than Class 9. The observations came while hearing petitions challenging CBSE's implementation of the three-language policy, which requires students to study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages.

The court, however, did not stay the policy and will continue hearing the matter. The case centres on concerns raised by parents, students and schools over the timing of the policy's implementation and its potential impact on students' academic workload. The final outcome will determine how the policy is implemented going forward.