CBSE Makes Third Language Mandatory for Class IX; Supreme Court to Hear Challenge

Overview

• On Friday, May 22, CBSE issued detailed rules requiring students entering Class IX from the 2026–27 session to study three languages labeled R1, R2 and R3, with at least two being native Indian languages.
• CBSE said R3 will be assessed entirely through school‑based internal evaluation, will appear on report cards, and must be successfully completed to receive CBSE certification while not affecting a child’s overall final grade.
• The board set limits to instructional load by recommending two to three weekly periods for R3 focused on oral and reading fluency and suggested mitigation steps such as Sahodaya hub sharing, digital classes, retired or guest teachers, and use of SCERT/state textbooks where NCERT material is unavailable.
• Parents and teachers have filed a public interest petition represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi that asks the Supreme Court to block or review the quick rollout, arguing it will burden Class IX students, worsen board exam preparation, and that there are shortages of trained teachers and suitable materials.
• The petition points to a prior CBSE notice from April 9 that had deferred R3 implementation to 2029–30, and the court has agreed to list the challenge for hearing next week, leaving the immediate timetable and practical rollout unsettled.