New Delhi, May 27: The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to examine a plea challenging the CBSE’s new three-language policy for Class 9 students, set to be implemented from July 1. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued notices to the Centre, CBSE, and NCERT, seeking detailed replies within two weeks.

The court also directed the Centre to submit a report on CBSE’s preparedness to implement the policy and scheduled the next hearing for July. Senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners, argued that language is a matter of choice and raised concerns over federalism and imposition of languages.

Under the new CBSE policy aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Class 9 students must study three languages, with at least two being native Indian languages. Students may opt for a foreign language only as a third or additional fourth language.

CBSE clarified that no board exam will be held for the third language at the Class 10 level, as assessments will remain school-based and internal. The board has also announced flexible arrangements for schools facing shortages of language teachers and exemptions for certain foreign students and children with special needs.