SC Flags Academic Burden of Mandatory Third Language in Class 9

New Delhi:  On Thursday, the Supreme Court questioned CBSE's decision to introduce a mandatory third language in Class 9, saying it could increase the academic load on students gearing up for board exams. The apex court also remarked that such a language requirement would be more appropriate if implemented from Class 6 onwards.

What did the Top Court say?

Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna on Thursday expressed concern over the introduction of a third language in Class 9 under the CBSE curriculum, saying it causes unnecessary stress to students preparing for board exams. 

These comments were made during a hearing on an appeal by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court order mandating the opening of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in every district of the state. Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the opening of JNVs due to concerns about the three-language policy followed in schools.

Did the case question the CBSE's language policy?

Although the case did not directly question the validity of the CBSE's language policy, Justice Nagarathna made several observations on the timing of the introduction of the third language.

It is noteworthy that the CBSE's three-language policy was recently challenged in separate public interest litigations before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant. The CJI's bench refused to stay the implementation of the CBSE policy and scheduled the hearing for next week. Indianstate news

What did the Supreme Court say about language policy?

During the hearing, Justice BV Nagarathna said that "Ninth standard is stressful. Why do you introduce a new language in 9th? You introduce it in 6th."

"Union of India, please don't have a third language in 9th standard. CBSE, ICSE, State Board, 10th standard is a board exam. From the end of 8th standard onwards, the pressure starts."

Recalling her school days, Justice BV Nagarathna said that in her school, students were taught a variety of courses and they started learning a third language in middle school itself.

"In our day, students were introduced to Class 10 concepts as early as Class 8 to prepare them for board examinations. So if we had that kind of preparation and all, what about today's students? Don't start a new language in 9th. Start it in 6th... I'm recalling my experience from 1976."