NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) new three-language mandate for Class 9 has triggered mounting criticism from parents, students, educators and school bodies across India, with many calling the move rushed, impractical and disconnected from classroom realities.The policy, introduced through a May 15 circular under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, makes the study of three languages compulsory from July 2026, with at least two required to be Indian languages. While CBSE has clarified that there will be no Board examination for the third language in Class 10, resistance has intensified over the timing, implementation burden and impact on students already studying foreign languages such as French and German.“Bas karo CBSE. Aur kitna students ko barbaad karoge,” wrote Adv Vishnu Gupta in one of the strongest public reactions circulating online.TOI Education seeks answers, CBSE remains silentAmid growing confusion and criticism, TOI Education reached out to CBSE through the Board’s PRO office seeking official clarification from CBSE Director (Academics) Dr Praggya M Singh on multiple concerns surrounding the implementation of the policy.Questions were raised regarding the urgency behind introducing a major structural academic change in May despite schools having already begun the academic session in April, the lack of clarity on workload redistribution, teacher availability, timetable restructuring and the absence of publicly shared readiness assessments for schools.TOI Education also sought clarification on safeguards for students facing additional academic pressure during Classes 9 and 10, particularly those simultaneously preparing for Board examinations and competitive entrance tests.Despite repeated outreach, CBSE had not responded till publication of this report.Parents question timing and planningThe backlash has been especially sharp among parents of current Class 8 and 9 students who say children are being forced to abruptly change language tracks just as secondary-level academics become more demanding.“Introducing 3rd language in class 9 during board/competitive exam preparation is ridiculous. Should be optional, not mandatory,” said Sabyasachi Panda.Several parents questioned why the policy was not introduced earlier. “It should have been introduced from class 6. Class 9 is too late and creates overload,” said Namita Bhat.Preeti Goel criticised the timing of the announcement. “Students already studying French/German are unfairly affected,” she said, adding that the academic session had already begun before the change was announced.In Gurgaon, schools have reportedly struggled to secure parent consent through mandatory Google Forms circulated after CBSE directed institutions to upload implementation details on the OASIS portal by May 30.One school principal told TNN that barely one or two parents in an entire Class 9 batch had submitted acceptance forms so far.Students fear added pressureStudents have also begun openly voicing concern over shrinking time for science and mathematics preparation.“With seven subjects, my timetable is more packed. I have one extra period daily and more homework. Science and maths practice time got cut by around 30 minutes,” Class 9 student Farhan Islam told TNN.Another student said uncertainty over foreign language continuity had disrupted long-term plans for overseas education.“My child has been studying French since class I as her second language… now she would have to take up Bengali as the 3rd language,” parent Paulomi Roy told TNN.Supreme Court challenge intensifies scrutinyThe controversy has now reached the Supreme Court. Parents and students have challenged the policy, arguing that students cannot be expected to “suddenly start learning a new language” before entering Board exam years.Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for petitioners, told the court there was “clear distress” among students already dealing with academic pressure.Meanwhile, criticism online has continued to intensify.“Absolute nonsensical decision. Instead of focusing on AI and technology, students are being burdened with a third language,” wrote Rohit Panwar.Education bodies including the Haryana Progressive Schools Conference and All India Save Education Committee have also demanded reconsideration of the policy, warning that poor implementation could deepen stress and confusion across CBSE schools nationwide.
