The Supreme Court on Thursday raised concerns 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 increase academic pressure at a crucial stage of schooling. The court suggested that if students are required to learn a third language, it should ideally begin from Class 6 instead of just before board examinations.
The observations were made by Justice B.V. Nagarathna during the hearing of a case related to the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in Tamil Nadu. Although the case was not directly about the CBSE language policy, the discussion shifted to the timing of introducing a third language in schools.
Supreme Court Says Class 9 Is Already Stressful
Expressing concern over the existing policy, Justice Nagarathna remarked that introducing a new language in Class 9 places unnecessary pressure on students who are already preparing for their Class 10 board examinations.
“Ninth standard is stressful. Why do you introduce a new language in 9th? You introduce it in 6th,” Justice Nagarathna observed.
Recalling her own school experience, she said students in earlier years began studying a third language during middle school, giving them sufficient time to learn before entering secondary education.
She further advised the Union government, saying:
“Union of India, please don’t have third language in 9th standard. CBSE, ICSE, state boards, 10th standard is a board exam. From the end of 8th standard onwards, the pressure starts.”
CBSE Had Already Granted One-Time Relief
The court’s remarks come shortly after CBSE announced a one-time relaxation for the current batch of students. Following objections from schools, parents and students, the Board allowed existing Class 9 students to continue with their present language combinations.
Under the revised arrangement, the additional Indian language will only be assessed internally and will not be part of the Class 10 Board examination for the current batch.
The relaxation followed criticism of a May 15 circular that had directed schools to implement the three-language requirement immediately for students entering Class 9.
Tamil Nadu Raises Objections
The issue surfaced during the hearing of Tamil Nadu’s appeal against a Madras High Court judgment concerning Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. The state has consistently opposed the three-language formula, maintaining its long-standing two-language policy.
During the hearing, Justice Nagarathna clarified that the policy does not specifically mandate Hindi.
“The state language has to be taught, English has to be taught and any third language. It doesn’t say Hindi,” she said.
She also questioned the state’s objection by asking:
“You don’t want Hindi, but if it’s Sanskrit, what is the issue?”
Court Advises Cooperation on Central Schemes
The bench also advised Tamil Nadu not to reject Central government initiatives solely because they originate from the Union government.
“You may have your education system, but don’t prevent the Central government schools,” Justice Nagarathna observed.
The court noted that discussions between the Centre and Tamil Nadu regarding Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas are still ongoing and scheduled the matter for further hearing on August 11.
Why did the Supreme Court question CBSE’s third language policy?
The Supreme Court said introducing a compulsory third language in Class 9 could increase academic pressure on students preparing for Class 10 board exams.
What did the Supreme Court suggest?
The court suggested that if a third language is compulsory, it should be introduced from Class 6 instead of Class 9.
Has CBSE changed its policy?
CBSE has provided a one-time relaxation for the current batch of students, allowing the third language to be assessed internally rather than in the Class 10 board examination.
Is Hindi compulsory under the three-language policy?
No. The Supreme Court noted that the policy does not specifically require Hindi. Students can study another approved language.
When will the case be heard again?
The Supreme Court has listed the matter for further hearing on August 11.
