In a positive development for students enrolled in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Ministry of Education has announced that those in classes 7, 8, and 9 who have chosen two foreign languages under the three-language policy will be permitted to maintain their language selections through Class 10 without needing to switch subjects.
Clarification on Language Policy Applicability
It is important to note that the new language policy will not affect current students. The requirement to study at least two Indian languages under the three-language framework will only apply to future students, starting from Class 6. This means that students already in classes 7, 8, and 9 will not be impacted.
Government's Position on the Policy
A senior official from the Ministry of Education clarified that this decision does not signify a policy reversal but rather a clarification of existing provisions that had not been clearly communicated before. This aims to alleviate confusion among students and their families.
Impact on Student Population
The Ministry reports that around 24 lakh students take the CBSE Class 10 board exams each year, with only about 30,000 opting for two foreign languages. This indicates that approximately 98.5% of students are already following the three-language policy. The relief primarily benefits students in urban and metropolitan areas who had previously selected two foreign languages.
Background of the Controversy
In May 2026, CBSE issued a circular under the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), mandating that students entering Class 9 from the 2026-27 academic year must study three languages, including at least two Indian languages. This decision faced significant backlash from students and parents, leading to legal challenges that reached the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court's Decision
Recently, the Supreme Court declined to provide interim relief regarding petitions contesting this policy, instructing that these petitions be combined with similar cases already under consideration.
Upcoming Official Order
Sources from the Ministry of Education indicate that a formal order will be issued shortly to clarify this situation and eliminate any misunderstandings among schools and students.
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