Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) defends its trilingual policy before Parliament Supreme Courtbelieves that a large number of its affiliated schools already have the capacity to implement the new framework. According to media reports, the committee maintained that nearly half of schools already teach two or more Indian languages ​​in grade 9, and almost all schools have at least one Indian language teacher, making the shift feasible.The submissions come as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a petition challenging the implementation of the revised language policy for Year 9 students.
CBSE emphasizes school readiness
In a detailed counter-affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, CBSE said that 47.3% of its 28,848 affiliated schools already offer two or more Indian languages ​​to students in Class 9. According to the board, these schools meet the trilingual requirement and do not require the recruitment of additional teachers.According to media reports, the committee further informed the court that 99.19% of the affiliated schools have at least one teacher capable of teaching Indian languages, indicating that the education system already has a solid foundation for implementing the policy.CBSE acknowledged that some schools may need time to expand language courses and said it has allowed flexible staffing arrangements during the transition period to facilitate implementation.
Petition challenges sudden policy shift
A group of parents and foreign language teachers from Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Chennai filed a legal challenge.The petition challenges the CBSE’s May 15 notification making three languages ​​compulsory for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026. The petitioners argued that the move was arbitrary and unconstitutional and alleged violation of Articles 14, 19, 21 and 21A of the Constitution.The petition said CBSE had issued another notification only 36 days ago stating that the requirement of Class 9 third language would not be applicable till the 2029-30 session. They claim the sudden reversal caused confusion among schools, teachers and students.
Concerns about teachers, textbooks and assessment
The petitioners also questioned the readiness of schools to implement the revised framework. They argue that many institutions do not have enough language teachers, updated textbooks or clear board evaluation mechanisms. Students may have to rely on lower-grade textbooks, and schools are allowed to assign teachers in other subjects with only basic language skills to teach, the lawsuit said.The petition argued that such an arrangement could affect the quality of language education and place an additional burden on students.
CBSE says subsequent guidelines addressed grievances
Rejecting the concerns raised in the petition, CBSE informed the Supreme Court that subsequent policy clarifications have addressed many of the issues highlighted by the petitioners.The board pointed to the implementation guidance issued on June 29 and the clarification notice issued on July 10, noting that these documents address operational issues regarding the rollout of the policy.CBSE argued that in view of these developments, some of the reliefs sought in the petition have become unnecessary.
Board says foreign languages ​​have not been removed
One of the main concerns raised by petitioners is the new policy’s exclusion of foreign languages ​​such as French, German and Spanish.CBSE rejected this claim and asserted that there are no restrictions on learning foreign languages. The board clarified that students can continue studying a foreign language as one of the three prescribed languages ​​or as an additional fourth language.According to CBSE, the petition wrongly describes the revised framework as eliminating foreign languages, while the policy only prioritizes Indian languages ​​under the National Education Policy.
New framework allows for one-time relaxation
As per the revised language policy, students in Class 9 will have to study three languages, at least two of which are Indian languages.CBSE, however, introduced a one-time relaxation for students who are already studying two non-Indian languages ​​such as English and French. These students will be allowed to choose any Indian language to fulfill the revised requirements for the transitional phase.The relaxations have been introduced to ensure pupils are not adversely affected as schools adapt to the new system.
NCERT ensures textbook preparation
Supporting the government’s stand, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) informed the Supreme Court that it has prepared, reviewed and distributed textbooks in 22 scheduled languages ​​to facilitate implementation of the language policy.NCERT also said that the education ministry has formed a strong working group to work in coordination with CBSE, National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and academic experts to expedite the development of class 9 textbooks required during the transition period.
The Supreme Court will hear the matter
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case as the debate over the implementation of the three-language policy continues.The case may not only determine the immediate future of the revised Grade 9 language framework, but may also provide judicial clarification on the balance between education reform, administrative preparation and students’ rights to a smooth academic transition.
