CBSE rejects Class 6 exemption from three-language rule, SC suggests 2027 rollout

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Thursday opposed granting a one-time exemption to Class 6 students from its three-language policy, prompting the Supreme Court to suggest that the new requirement could instead be implemented from January 2027. The court asked the Board to consider the proposal and respond, as it continued hearing challenges to the policy requiring students to study three languages, including two Indian languages. The issue has acquired significance for students who entered Class 6 this academic year without having selected subjects in accordance with the revised language framework.

CBSE opposes exemption

The matter came before a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana. During an earlier hearing on September 10, the bench had asked CBSE to examine whether the current Class 6 batch could be accommodated for this academic year, noting that students and schools were already well into the session. The suggestion was intended to prevent students from being suddenly subjected to a changed academic requirement after the school year had begun.

Appearing for CBSE, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court on Thursday that the Board was not in favour of granting the exemption. CBSE maintained that the language requirement formed part of a structured academic progression and that exempting one batch could create difficulties in implementing the curriculum in subsequent classes. The court, however, explored whether the concerns of both the Board and affected students could be addressed by postponing implementation rather than abandoning the requirement for the batch altogether.

January rollout suggested

The bench suggested that CBSE consider implementing the three-language requirement from January 2027, effectively giving schools and students additional time to prepare for the transition. The court observed that such an arrangement could address practical difficulties without disturbing the broader policy. It asked the Board to obtain instructions on whether the proposal could be accepted.

The dispute stems from CBSE’s revised language framework under which students are required to study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages. The policy has been challenged before the Supreme Court over concerns about its implementation and the difficulties students could face in choosing and studying additional languages at short notice.

Relief still undecided

The Supreme Court has not yet granted an exemption to the present Class 6 batch, and the question will depend on CBSE’s response to the proposed January 2027 implementation. The proceedings are therefore focused not only on the validity of the language framework but also on how and when it should be introduced without disrupting students already progressing through the academic year.

The court’s suggestion could provide a transition period for schools to arrange teachers, prepare timetables and give students greater clarity over their language choices. A final decision on the implementation schedule is expected after CBSE communicates its position on the proposal.