Overview
- The Central Board of Secondary Education issued a circular on May 15 that makes study of three languages compulsory for Class 9 from July 1, requiring at least two native Indian languages and limiting foreign languages to the third slot or an optional fourth.
- CBSE says the third language (R3) will not be part of the Class 10 board exam and will be assessed entirely through school‑based internal assessment with results shown on CBSE certificates.
- Schools report acute practical problems — missing Class 9/10 textbooks for some R3 offerings, no time to hire tens of thousands of extra language teachers, and major timetable and staffing rework to fit an extra subject mid‑session.
- Parents, students and teachers filed a public interest petition that was mentioned in the Supreme Court on May 22 and will be listed for hearing next week, with petitioners arguing the rushed rollout will increase pressure on students facing imminent board exams.
- Educationists warn the change could force many students to abandon multi‑year foreign‑language study, put foreign‑language teachers at risk of job loss, and produce wider equity and state‑policy clashes unless CBSE issues clearer, immediate implementation guidance.