SC raises concerns over CBSE move to add third language in Class 9

The Supreme Court on Thursday voiced concern over the introduction of a third language in Class 9 under the CBSE curriculum, observing that the move could increase stress levels among students and suggesting that any new language should be introduced at an earlier stage, PTI reported.

A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan orally asked the Centre not to introduce a third language at the Class 9 level, saying students at that stage already face academic pressure.

“Union of India please don't have a third language from Class 9 level. It would unnecessarily increase the stress level of students. If you want to introduce a new language, then please do it at Class 5 or Class 6 level but not at Class 9 level,” Justice Nagarathna told the counsel appearing for the Centre.


The bench asked the counsel to convey the court’s observations to the government, noting that stress among students begins from Class 8 onwards and Class 9 is a particularly demanding academic year.

The observations were made during the hearing of a plea filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court directive on facilitating the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in every district of the state.

Tamil Nadu has opposed the setting up of JNVs, citing concerns over the three-language policy followed in these schools.

The Supreme Court bench was not directly hearing the challenge to the CBSE’s new language policy. However, it made observations on the timing of introducing an additional language in school education.

A separate bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant is already examining challenges to the new CBSE policy and had recently declined to stay the notification.