The Supreme Court of Indiahas issuednoticesto the Union Government, the CBSE, and the NCERT,directing them to file a comprehensive report on their logistical preparedness to implement a three-language formula in all CBSE schools for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026.
Official written announcements or legal orders asking for responses.
AdjunctAdditional info
to the Union Government, the CBSE, and the NCERT
To India’s central government and the primary educational boards and councils.
AdjunctAdditional info
directing them to file a comprehensive report on their logistical preparedness to implement a three-language formula in all CBSE schools for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026
Ordering them to submit a complete report about their practical readiness, including teachers and textbooks, to start the three-language rule for ninth-grade students by July 1, 2026.
Context and Background
The Three-Language Formula and CBSE
The Three-Language Formula was first proposed by the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) in 1956 and incorporated into the National Education Policy (NEP) in 1968. It aims to promote multilingualism by requiring students to study three languages, typically English, Hindi, and a regional language. In May 2026, the CBSE mandated this formula for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026, sparking legal challenges over logistical preparedness and language imposition.
Sentence 2 of 17
English Original
On May 27, while hearing petitioners challenging the CBSE move,the Courtdeclinedto grant an immediate stay on the policybutacknowledgedthat concerns over “hardship and inconvenience” warranted review.
The points of view and reasons presented by the lawyers of both sides.
AdjunctAdditional info
on July 15 and 16
On the scheduled dates of July 15 and July 16, 2026.
Sentence 4 of 17
English Original
The casual manner in which the government is using the CBSE to enforce its contentious language policyonce againshowscomplete disregard for students, teachers, and parents.
The casual manner in which the government is using the CBSE to enforce its contentious language policy
The careless way in which the ruling government is utilizing the central school board (CBSE) to make schools follow its disputed language rules.
AdjunctAdditional info
once again
Another time; repeating a previous occurrence.
VerbWhat is happening
shows
Demonstrates, reveals, or makes visible.
ObjectWhat receives action
complete disregard for students, teachers, and parents
Total lack of attention, care, or concern for school kids, their teachers, and their mothers and fathers.
Sentence 5 of 17
English Original
On May 15,the CBSEhad issueda circular mandating the study of three languages for Class 9 students from July 1,citing alignment with the NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.
A minimum of two languages out of the three required ones.
VerbWhat is happening
must be
Are required to be.
ComplementCompletes meaning
native Indian languages
Languages that originated in the Indian subcontinent (such as Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, etc.).
Sentence 7 of 17
English Original
Foreign languages such as French or Germancould only be takenas a third languageif the first two were Indian,oralternatively as an optional fourth subject.
Languages from other countries, such as French or German.
VerbWhat is happening
could only be taken
Were permitted to be selected only under certain conditions.
AdjunctAdditional info
as a third language
As the third subject in the language requirements list.
AdjunctAdditional info
if the first two were Indian
Only on the condition that the primary two languages studied were native Indian languages.
AdjunctAdditional info
alternatively as an optional fourth subject
Or, as another choice, as an extra subject that does not affect the compulsory language count.
Sentence 8 of 17
English Original
In a meagre effort to camouflage the hardship unleashed on the students,the CBSEexemptedthe third languagefrom the Class 10 Board examination,which would instead be assessed through school-based internal evaluations,though the marks would still appear on the final certificate.
The parents, teachers, or groups who filed the lawsuit challenging the policy.
VerbWhat is happening
argue
Present arguments or state their reasons in support of their case.
ObjectWhat receives action
that language is a matter of personal choice and cannot be imposed by the state
That deciding what languages to learn is an individual’s private right, and the government does not have the power to force it on them.
Sentence 13 of 17
English Original
Itis also being pointed outthat the NEP 2020, in whose name the mandate is being enforced, promises flexibility and guarantees that no language shall be imposed on any student or State.
This fact (dummy subject representing the following statement).
VerbWhat is happening
is also being pointed out
Is also being highlighted or brought to attention.
ObjectWhat receives action
that the NEP 2020, in whose name the mandate is being enforced, promises flexibility and guarantees that no language shall be imposed on any student or State
That the education policy of 2020, which is being used to justify this new rule, actually pledges flexibility and promises that no language will be forced on any child or regional state.
Context and Background
NEP 2020 and Language Flexibility
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the promotion of multilingualism and national unity. However, it explicitly states that the three-language formula must be implemented with flexibility. It guarantees that no language will be imposed on any student or State, aiming to prevent regional friction, particularly in non-Hindi speaking states like Tamil Nadu.
Sentence 14 of 17
English Original
The petitionersalsoarguethat the CBSE, as an executive body, lacks the authority to impose such a sweeping educational mandate without backing from parliamentary legislation, regardless of what the NEP says, being an executive policy intent and not a statute.
The parents, teachers, and school representatives challenging the rule in court.
AdjunctAdditional info
also
In addition.
VerbWhat is happening
argue
Make a legal case or present reasons.
ObjectWhat receives action
that the CBSE, as an executive body, lacks the authority to impose such a sweeping educational mandate without backing from parliamentary legislation, regardless of what the NEP says, being an executive policy intent and not a statute
That since the CBSE is just a government board and not a law-making body, it does not have the legal power to make such a big mandatory change in schools unless the Parliament passes a law. The NEP is just a policy guideline and not an actual law.
Context and Background
Executive Policies vs. Statutes
In Indian governance, an Executive Policy (such as the NEP 2020) represents the government’s guiding vision and intention but is not legally binding. A Statute (or legislation), on the other hand, is a formal law passed by Parliament or state legislatures. An executive body like the CBSE can implement guidelines, but sweeping mandates that impact fundamental rights or impose heavy burdens typically require statutory backing.
Sentence 15 of 17
English Original
Parents and teachersare alarmedabout the added pressure on students just before their Board examinations.
Turning school education into a cultural battleground
Making children’s schooling a place where adults fight over regional language and cultural politics.
VerbWhat is happening
is not helping
Does not support or benefit.
ObjectWhat receives action
India’s ambition to become a global reservoir of advanced human resources
The national dream of India to be a major worldwide supplier of highly skilled, well-educated, and advanced professionals.
Sentence 1 of 17
Sentence 1 of 17
The Supreme Court of Indiahas issuednoticesto the Union Government, the CBSE, and the NCERT,directing them to file a comprehensive report on their logistical preparedness to implement a three-language formula in all CBSE schools for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The Supreme Court of India
The highest court of law in India.
Verb
has issued
Has officially sent or announced.
Object
notices
Official written announcements or legal orders asking for responses.
Adjunct
to the Union Government, the CBSE, and the NCERT
To India’s central government and the primary educational boards and councils.
Adjunct
directing them to file a comprehensive report on their logistical preparedness to implement a three-language formula in all CBSE schools for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026
Ordering them to submit a complete report about their practical readiness, including teachers and textbooks, to start the three-language rule for ninth-grade students by July 1, 2026.
Sentence 2 of 17
On May 27, while hearing petitioners challenging the CBSE move,the Courtdeclinedto grant an immediate stay on the policybutacknowledgedthat concerns over “hardship and inconvenience” warranted review.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
On May 27, while hearing petitioners challenging the CBSE move
On May 27, when the judges were listening to the arguments of those who filed cases against the new CBSE language rule.
Subject
the Court
The Supreme Court of India.
Verb
declined
Refused or chose not to do something.
Object
to grant an immediate stay on the policy
To stop the enforcement of the language rule immediately.
Verb
acknowledged
Accepted or admitted that something is true.
Object
that concerns over “hardship and inconvenience” warranted review
That the worries about difficulties and trouble for students and teachers justify a second look.
Sentence 3 of 17
The Courtwill hearargumentson July 15 and 16.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The Court
The Supreme Court of India.
Verb
will hear
Will listen to and examine in detail.
Object
arguments
The points of view and reasons presented by the lawyers of both sides.
Adjunct
on July 15 and 16
On the scheduled dates of July 15 and July 16, 2026.
Sentence 4 of 17
The casual manner in which the government is using the CBSE to enforce its contentious language policyonce againshowscomplete disregard for students, teachers, and parents.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The casual manner in which the government is using the CBSE to enforce its contentious language policy
The careless way in which the ruling government is utilizing the central school board (CBSE) to make schools follow its disputed language rules.
Adjunct
once again
Another time; repeating a previous occurrence.
Verb
shows
Demonstrates, reveals, or makes visible.
Object
complete disregard for students, teachers, and parents
Total lack of attention, care, or concern for school kids, their teachers, and their mothers and fathers.
Sentence 5 of 17
On May 15,the CBSEhad issueda circular mandating the study of three languages for Class 9 students from July 1,citing alignment with the NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
On May 15
On May 15, 2026.
Subject
the CBSE
The Central Board of Secondary Education, the national board governing secondary school education in India.
Verb
had issued
Had officially published and distributed.
Object
a circular mandating the study of three languages for Class 9 students from July 1
An official letter or notification making it compulsory for ninth-grade students to learn three different languages starting from July 1, 2026.
Adjunct
citing alignment with the NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023
Pointing out that this new rule is based on and matches the targets of the National Education Policy of 2020 and the school course framework of 2023.
Sentence 6 of 17
At least two of the threemust benative Indian languages.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
At least two of the three
A minimum of two languages out of the three required ones.
Verb
must be
Are required to be.
Complement
native Indian languages
Languages that originated in the Indian subcontinent (such as Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, etc.).
Sentence 7 of 17
Foreign languages such as French or Germancould only be takenas a third languageif the first two were Indian,oralternatively as an optional fourth subject.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Foreign languages such as French or German
Languages from other countries, such as French or German.
Verb
could only be taken
Were permitted to be selected only under certain conditions.
Adjunct
as a third language
As the third subject in the language requirements list.
Adjunct
if the first two were Indian
Only on the condition that the primary two languages studied were native Indian languages.
Adjunct
alternatively as an optional fourth subject
Or, as another choice, as an extra subject that does not affect the compulsory language count.
Sentence 8 of 17
In a meagre effort to camouflage the hardship unleashed on the students,the CBSEexemptedthe third languagefrom the Class 10 Board examination,which would instead be assessed through school-based internal evaluations,though the marks would still appear on the final certificate.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In a meagre effort to camouflage the hardship unleashed on the students
In a very small and weak attempt to hide the difficulties and stress forced onto the students.
Subject
the CBSE
The Central Board of Secondary Education.
Verb
exempted
Released or freed from an obligation or exam requirement.
Object
the third language
The newly mandated third language subject.
Adjunct
from the Class 10 Board examination
From the final nation-wide examination taken at the end of the tenth grade.
Adjunct
which would instead be assessed through school-based internal evaluations
Which, rather than a board exam, would be tested and graded inside the student’s own school by their own teachers.
Adjunct
though the marks would still appear on the final certificate
Even though the scores or grades obtained in this subject will still be printed on the final graduation report card.
Sentence 9 of 17
Barely weeks earlier,the CBSEhad statedthat the third-language requirement would be deferred until the 2029-30 academic year.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Barely weeks earlier
Just a very short time (only a few weeks) before this new announcement.
Subject
the CBSE
The Central Board of Secondary Education.
Verb
had stated
Had officially declared or put in writing.
Object
that the third-language requirement would be deferred until the 2029-30 academic year
That the compulsory rule to learn a third language was going to be postponed to the school session of 2029-2030.
Sentence 10 of 17
The abrupt turnaboutcan only be explainedas a political decision.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The abrupt turnabout
The sudden, unexpected reversal of policy or plan.
Verb
can only be explained
Has no other reason or interpretation possible.
Adjunct
as a political decision
As a choice made to satisfy political goals rather than educational needs.
Sentence 11 of 17
The moveis being challengedin the Courton multiple grounds, including constitutional ones.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The move
The policy decision or action taken by CBSE.
Verb
is being challenged
Is being formally questioned, opposed, or disputed.
Adjunct
in the Court
In the Supreme Court of India.
Adjunct
on multiple grounds, including constitutional ones
For several different reasons, including arguments that the policy violates the Indian Constitution.
Sentence 12 of 17
The petitionersarguethat language is a matter of personal choice and cannot be imposed by the state.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The petitioners
The parents, teachers, or groups who filed the lawsuit challenging the policy.
Verb
argue
Present arguments or state their reasons in support of their case.
Object
that language is a matter of personal choice and cannot be imposed by the state
That deciding what languages to learn is an individual’s private right, and the government does not have the power to force it on them.
Sentence 13 of 17
Itis also being pointed outthat the NEP 2020, in whose name the mandate is being enforced, promises flexibility and guarantees that no language shall be imposed on any student or State.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
It
This fact (dummy subject representing the following statement).
Verb
is also being pointed out
Is also being highlighted or brought to attention.
Object
that the NEP 2020, in whose name the mandate is being enforced, promises flexibility and guarantees that no language shall be imposed on any student or State
That the education policy of 2020, which is being used to justify this new rule, actually pledges flexibility and promises that no language will be forced on any child or regional state.
Sentence 14 of 17
The petitionersalsoarguethat the CBSE, as an executive body, lacks the authority to impose such a sweeping educational mandate without backing from parliamentary legislation, regardless of what the NEP says, being an executive policy intent and not a statute.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The petitioners
The parents, teachers, and school representatives challenging the rule in court.
Adjunct
also
In addition.
Verb
argue
Make a legal case or present reasons.
Object
that the CBSE, as an executive body, lacks the authority to impose such a sweeping educational mandate without backing from parliamentary legislation, regardless of what the NEP says, being an executive policy intent and not a statute
That since the CBSE is just a government board and not a law-making body, it does not have the legal power to make such a big mandatory change in schools unless the Parliament passes a law. The NEP is just a policy guideline and not an actual law.
Sentence 15 of 17
Parents and teachersare alarmedabout the added pressure on students just before their Board examinations.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Parents and teachers
The students’ mothers, fathers, and school educators.
Verb
are alarmed
Are worried, anxious, or distressed.
Adjunct
about the added pressure on students just before their Board examinations
Concerning the extra workload and stress placed on school kids right before they take their final board exams.
Sentence 16 of 17
School administratorshave flaggeda shortage of trained language teachers and the unavailability of appropriate textbooks.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
School administrators
People responsible for managing, directing, and running schools.
Verb
have flagged
Have pointed out, highlighted, or drawn attention to as a problem.
Object
a shortage of trained language teachers and the unavailability of appropriate textbooks
A lack of qualified instructors to teach the languages, and the fact that correct educational books are not available to buy or use.
Sentence 17 of 17
Turning school education into a cultural battlegroundis not helpingIndia’s ambition to become a global reservoir of advanced human resources.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Turning school education into a cultural battleground
Making children’s schooling a place where adults fight over regional language and cultural politics.
Verb
is not helping
Does not support or benefit.
Object
India’s ambition to become a global reservoir of advanced human resources
The national dream of India to be a major worldwide supplier of highly skilled, well-educated, and advanced professionals.
Reading Comprehension
Practice questions based on this editorial
Reading Comprehension - Three-Language Formula
Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the three-language formula in CBSE schools.
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