SC Urges Centre Not To Introduce Third Language From Class 9 in CBSE

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed concern over the introduction of a third language at the Class 9 level under the CBSE curriculum, observing that it could increase stress among students and suggesting it be introduced earlier.

A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan orally asked the Centre not to introduce a third language from Class 9.

"Union of India please don't have a third language from Class 9 level. It would unnecessarily increase the stress level of students. If you want to introduce a new language, then please do it at Class 5 or Class 6 level but not at Class 9 level. Class nine is full of stress, it starts from Class 8 onwards," Justice Nagarathna said, asking counsel for the Centre to convey the court’s view.

The observations were made during the hearing of the Tamil Nadu government’s plea against a Madras High Court direction to facilitate establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in every district.

The state has opposed JNVs citing concerns over the three-language policy. During the hearing, its counsel submitted that the objection related to the third-language requirement under the curriculum.

Justice Nagarathna observed that the policy does not mandate Hindi as the third language. "The state language has to be taught, English has to be taught and any third language. It doesn't say Hindi," she said.

Advocate G. Priyadarshini, appearing for the respondent NGO Kumari Maha Sabha, submitted that the National Education Policy provides that no language should be imposed on any state.

Justice Nagarathna asked the state, "You don't want Hindi, but if it's Sanskrit, what is the issue?"

On being informed that the third language becomes compulsory from Class 9, she remarked, "No, that's very bad. Class 9 is very stressful. Why do you introduce a new language in Class 9? Why don't you introduce it in Class 6th."

She also said, "It was Kannada for those who had a second language as Hindi and vice versa. Sanskrit was also there, so you could have a third language. The earlier, the better."

The judge further observed that states should not reject Central schemes solely on that basis. "You may have your education system, but don't prevent the Central government schools. You should not have this attitude that it is the Union government scheme, so why should we accept it," she said.

The court noted that discussions between the Centre and the state on establishing JNVs are ongoing and said the issue on merits would arise only if talks fail.

The state sought time to obtain further instructions. The court posted the matter for further hearing on August 11.

The Tamil Nadu government has challenged a 2017 Madras High Court order directing establishment of a JNV in every district. The Supreme Court had stayed the order in December 2017 and later modified the stay in December 2025, directing the state to identify land for setting up the schools and submit a report.

It had also asked the Centre and the state to hold discussions on establishing the institutions.