Overview
- The CBSE issued a May circular directing all affiliated schools to make study of three languages compulsory for Class 9 and 10 students with the change to take effect on July 1, 2026.
- Minutes from a December 2025 CBSE Governing Body meeting show the board had previously approved pausing any change to language rules until NCERT released graded language textbooks.
- NCERT has not produced dedicated Class 9–10 third‑language textbooks, so CBSE told schools to use existing Class 6 R3 books for interim teaching and to hold R3 assessments as school‑based internal evaluations.
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and other opposition figures called the move a U‑turn, linked it to transfers of senior CBSE officials, and demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign for what they say is a politically driven decision.
- Schools and parents warn of timetable, staffing and curriculum disruption and at least one petition has reached the Supreme Court with a hearing set for the second week of July, while CBSE has not publicly answered queries about the rollout.