The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to examine the validity of the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) three-language formula for Class 9 students introduced under the new curriculum framework, and sought responses from the Union Government, the CBSE and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on a Public Interest Litigation challenging the policy.

The plea questions the CBSE’s decision to make the study of a third language compulsory for Class 9 students from the 2026–27 academic session, in addition to two native languages.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi issued notice on the petition and listed the matter for hearing in the second week of July after the Court reopens following the summer vacation.

During the hearing, the Bench also directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to place on record a detailed report regarding the logistical preparedness for implementation of the proposed language policy.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the CBSE circular envisages implementation of the three-language requirement from the next academic year itself, despite the absence of textbooks and necessary infrastructure for the additional language.

He raised concerns over the feasibility of implementing the policy within such a short timeframe.

In a connected matter, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal submitted that the issue raised important constitutional questions and described it as a “federal issue.” He argued that language is ultimately a matter of individual choice and cannot be imposed through policy measures.

The Supreme Court has now sought comprehensive responses from all stakeholders before taking up the matter for detailed consideration in July.