Pradhan Stands Firm on CBSE Three-Language Policy, Tells Critics to Await Supreme Court Ruling
Education Minister backs CBSE's three-language mandate, citing NEP goals as the Supreme Court examines the policy.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has defended the controversial three-language policy introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education for Class 9 students, saying the move aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 and long-standing educational practices in the country.
The controversy began after CBSE announced that students entering Class 9 in the 2026–27 academic year would be required to study three languages, including at least two Indian languages. The decision triggered criticism from parents, students, and educators over concerns related to implementation, teacher shortages, and additional academic pressure.
Speaking in an interview with NDTV, Pradhan said the Centre would respect whatever decision the Supreme Court of India takes on the matter. “We will do whatever the Supreme Court will say,” he stated while responding to questions regarding the future of the policy.
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The minister clarified that CBSE had not introduced a completely new framework. According to him, nearly “99% of CBSE schools” already teach students in their mother tongue or regional language from Classes 6 to 8, and the latest circular only formalises the continuation of that system in Class 9.
Pradhan also cited a personal example during the interview, saying his daughter studied Marathi till Class 8. He argued that multilingual learning has always been part of India’s education system and is strongly encouraged under the National Education Policy to preserve and promote Indian languages.
The Supreme Court has now sought responses from the Centre, CBSE, and the National Council of Educational Research and Training over petitions challenging the policy. The court has observed that while encouraging Indian languages may be beneficial in theory, practical issues related to infrastructure, staffing, and execution must also be carefully addressed before implementation.
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