Overview
From the academic year 2026‑27, the CBSE has asked all its affiliated schools to apply the NEP‑2020 three‑language formula from Class 6. The rule requires two of the three languages to be native Indian languages, effectively removing foreign languages such as French and German for many students.
Key Developments
- In May 2026, CBSE issued a circular stating that Class 9 students must study three languages, two of which must be Sanskrit or another Indian language, dropping all foreign languages.
- Parents of students like Adya Pandey (Class 6) and Bani (Class 8) filed a petition in the Supreme Court. The Court refused a stay, but on 25 June 2026 the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced a temporary relaxation for Classes 7‑9.
- Many English‑medium schools replaced foreign language teachers with Sanskrit or regional language teachers, leading to job losses for French and German instructors.
- Embassies of France and Germany have expressed concern, noting the loss of millions of euros invested in language infrastructure.
Important Facts
• Approximately 40 lakh CBSE‑affiliated students are affected.
• Around 4.5 lakh study French and 1.5 lakh study German in schools.
• The policy will be extended to Class 10 by the academic year 2030‑31.
• DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) exams see about 11,000 candidates annually, including 4,000 junior candidates.
Exam Relevance
The episode touches on several UPSC‑relevant themes:
• three‑language formula and its constitutional implications.
• Federal‑centre relations, as states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Nagaland have expressed resistance.
• Impact on foreign‑language diplomacy and cultural exchange, relevant for questions on India’s external relations.
• Teacher‑employment issues and infrastructure challenges, linking to education governance (GS3: Education).
Way Forward
1. Policy clarification: The Ministry should issue detailed guidelines on permissible native languages for each state to avoid legal battles.
2. Teacher up‑skilling: Launch fast‑track training programmes for Sanskrit and regional language teachers to fill the sudden vacancy.
3. Hybrid model: Allow schools to offer foreign languages as electives while meeting the mandatory native‑language quota, preserving diplomatic ties and student choice.
4. Monitoring: Set up a task force to track implementation, teacher availability and student outcomes across states.
For UPSC aspirants, understanding the evolving language policy helps answer questions on education reforms, centre‑state dynamics, and India’s soft‑power strategy.