The Supreme Court has asked the Union government to reconsider the timing of the three-language requirement for the current Class 6 batch, suggesting that the mandatory rollout be deferred until January 1, 2027.

The bench said the additional time would address logistical concerns and avoid imposing a new requirement on students midway through the academic year, The Hindu reported.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana made the suggestion on Thursday (September 17) while hearing petitions challenging the CBSE’s three-language policy. The court clarified that it was not deciding the legal validity of the policy at this stage, but was concerned about its implementation for students already enrolled in Class 6.

“We are not standing in the way. We are only saying that instead of springing a surprise on this batch of students, start from the first of January… We are not on a point of law, but on a point of comfort. You can start with children who come into January 1, 2027. It is only four months more,” said Justice Bagchi.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Union government, agreed to convey the court’s suggestion to the government and seek reconsideration of its position. The government had earlier maintained that the policy should be implemented for Class 6 students from the current academic year.

“We have already given relaxation to Classes 7, 8, 9 and 10. The present Class 6 would face the Board exam only after four years,” she said.

The bench, however, remained unconvinced by the argument that the present Class 6 batch should also be covered immediately.

“Class 7 will face the board exam only after three years, so? Just because you have stated that Class 6 should be included, it should be included? Give some breathing space,” said Justice Bagchi.

The court also suggested that the government could consider making the third language optional for the current Class 6 students, while introducing the requirement on a mandatory basis for the next batch from January 1, 2027. CJI Surya Kant said the intervening period could also be used to develop incentives encouraging students to take up a third language.

The issue arises from the CBSE’s revised language framework for the 2026-27 academic year. Under the policy, students are required to study three languages, including two Indian languages.

The Supreme Court had earlier declined to stay the policy but subsequently raised questions over its implementation, including the availability of teachers and learning material for the range of languages offered by CBSE schools.

According to Live Law, in August, the court had already suggested giving the current Class 6 students a reprieve, saying that students who had already committed to a particular language should be given an opportunity to continue with their existing choice. It had also asked the CBSE to provide details about the availability of teachers and learning resources for the languages covered by the policy.

The latest suggestion therefore leaves the immediate implementation of the mandatory requirement for the current Class 6 batch open for reconsideration by the government. The ASG is expected to return to the court with instructions after conveying the proposal to the concerned authorities.