Overview
- The CBSE issued a May 15 circular requiring Class IX students to study three languages from July 1, 2026, with at least two being native Indian languages.
- To implement the change quickly the board said Class IX students will use existing Class VI R3 textbooks until new secondary texts are ready and that R3 will have only school-based internal assessment at Class X with no board exam.
- Critics note that CBSE issued an April 9 notification that had deferred compulsory R3 implementation until 2029-30 and say the May 15 reversal was abrupt and inconsistent with that prior position.
- Former Maharashtra minister Dr. Fauzia Khan filed an intervention on June 9 asking the Supreme Court to quash the May 15 circular and seek interim protection for current students while arguing the board itself acknowledges teacher shortages.
- The Supreme Court has already asked the Centre, CBSE and NCERT for detailed replies and a report on logistical preparedness and has listed the matter for hearing in the second week of July, leaving implementation contested until the court rules.