three language policy

India's three-language policy is back at the centre of national debate, and the argument is the same one it has always been. The CBSE's 2026 mandate to make three languages compulsory up to Class 10 is framed as a step towards multilingualism and national integration. In Tamil Nadu and much of the South, it is being read as something else entirely. The question is not really about languages. It never was.

Odisha's CBSE schools are largely unaffected by the new three-language policy due to low demand for foreign languages. Most students already follow a combination of English, Odia, and Hindi or Sanskrit, minimizing academic disruption. While some adjustments are needed for students studying foreign languages, CBSE offers support for the transition.

A petition challenging CBSE’s decision to make a third language compulsory for Classes 9 and 10 from 2026-27 has reached the Supreme Court. Parents and teachers have alleged the sudden policy shift will disrupt students’ education, create confusion in schools, and burden children with abrupt language changes without adequate teachers or preparation.

CBSE's new three-language policy, mandating two Indian languages from Class IX, is causing widespread concern among parents and educators. Students' existing foreign language learning and future career plans, particularly in fields like automobile engineering, are at risk. The abrupt implementation is seen as disruptive, placing undue pressure on students and raising questions about career relevance.

In Chandigarh, parents are voicing their worries about the CBSE's recent decision to introduce a mandatory third language for students in Classes 9 and 10 starting in 2026-27. Their primary concerns revolve around the potential increase in academic stress and possible hindrances to ongoing foreign language programs.

Those Who’ve Been Studying A Foreign Language Must Pick Up An Additional Indian One Just As Academic Pressure Builds Towards Boards

Federal Reserve Governor Chris Waller is advocating for the central bank to signal that its next policy move might not be an interest rate cut, citing elevated inflation pressures. He proposes removing the "easing bias" language from policy statements, emphasizing a pause on rate changes for the near term while monitoring global developments.

Parents, Educators Call Move Impractical As Students Face Heavy Academic Load

Starting July 1, 2026, CBSE mandates three languages for Class IX, with at least two being Indian. No board exam will be held for the third language in Class X; assessments will be school-based. This aligns with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023, ensuring smooth implementation with interim solutions for textbooks and teachers.

A controversy erupted in Tamil Nadu over the recitation order of national and state songs during a swearing-in ceremony. The DMK criticized the Vijay government for prioritizing 'Vande Mataram' over the Tamil invocation song, accusing them of disrespecting Tamil culture and adopting BJP's politics.

Rahul Gandhi fiercely criticized the Modi government, accusing it of failing students across age groups due to the NEET paper leak, CBSE evaluation issues, and a new language policy. He highlighted the uncertainty faced by lakhs of students and demanded accountability from Prime Minister Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling the ministry a 'department of disasters'.

Global powers are now vying for India's attention, recognizing its growing influence. While the US seeks to bolster trade, India has been actively forging significant trade agreements, positioning itself as a reliable and indispensable partner in a shifting geopolitical landscape.