Relief for CBSE Class 6 Students: 'Three-Language Policy' Not to be Implemented Immediately

The CBSE's three-language policy will come into effect from the 2027-28 academic session. Providing significant relief to students, the Supreme Court has directed that the three-language policy be implemented starting April 1, 2027.

Class 6 students have received major relief regarding the CBSE's 'three-language formula.' While hearing the matter, the Supreme Court removed the mandatory requirement for a third language in Class 6, stating that Class 6 students would be granted the same exemptions as those available to Class 7 students. This Supreme Court order clarifies that the assessment of Class 6 students will also be conducted at the school level.

Additionally, the Court directed that the 'three-language formula' be implemented from the new academic session of 2027-28. The Supreme Court specified that the CBSE's three-language policy is to be enforced starting April 1, 2027.

Formula to be Implemented from April 1, 2027

During an earlier hearing on the matter, the Supreme Court had suggested that the government consider implementing this system from the following year. Subsequently, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central Government, informed the Court that arrangements for teaching a third language had been made in approximately 99 percent of schools. Despite this, the Court stayed the implementation of the policy for the current session and directed that the three-language policy be implemented starting April 1, 2027.

Foreign Language to be Studied Alongside Two Indian Languages

The Court's order clarifies that students entering Class 6 next year will be required to study two Indian languages ​​and one foreign language. English has been categorized as a foreign language. Meanwhile, clarifying the exemptions for students currently in Classes 7 and 8, the CBSE stated that if these students are already studying two non-Indian languages ​​(such as English and French), they may continue with them while opting for an Indian language as a third language (R3). There will be no CBSE board examination for R3 for students currently in Classes 7 through 10; instead, assessment will be conducted at the school level. Following a court order, this arrangement has now been extended to students in Class 6 as well.

Students to get another chance

In its affidavit, the CBSE also stated that students who do not succeed in the internal assessment for R3 in Class 9 will still be promoted to Class 10. These students will be given another opportunity to pass the R3 internal assessment. Possessing an R3 pass certificate issued by the school will be mandatory for passing the Class 10 board examination.