Digvijay Singh Urges PM Modi to Roll Back CBSE’s Three-Language Policy for Class IX

A fresh debate has emerged over the implementation of the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) three-language policy after senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh wrote to Narendra Modi on June 5, 2026, seeking the withdrawal of the board's directive mandating a third language for Class IX students from July 1, 2026.

Digvijay Singh Urges PM Modi to Roll Back CBSE's Three-Language Policy for Class IX

In his letter, Singh warned that the sudden implementation of the policy could create significant academic and administrative challenges for schools, teachers, and students across the country. He argued that the move risks causing confusion similar to previous controversies involving CBSE's digital evaluation systems and could adversely affect millions of students.

What Does the New CBSE Circular Say?

On May 15, 2026, CBSE issued a circular directing all affiliated schools to make the study of three languages compulsory for Class IX students beginning July 1, 2026.

Under the new framework:

• Students must study three languages designated as R1, R2, and R3.
• At least two of the three languages must be Indian languages.
• The policy is aligned with the language recommendations under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Schools are expected to ensure compliance from the 2026-27 academic session.

The circular effectively extends the three-language formula to secondary-level students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools.

Concerns Raised by Digvijay Singh

In his communication to the Prime Minister, Digvijay Singh expressed concerns regarding the preparedness of schools and the availability of academic resources.

According to the concerns raised:

Lack of Secondary-Level Study Material

One of the major issues highlighted is the absence of dedicated Class IX textbooks and learning materials for the third language.

To address the shortage, CBSE reportedly advised schools to temporarily use Class VI-level R3 textbooks, stating that there is a significant overlap in language competencies between the two levels.

However, several school principals and education experts have reportedly questioned this approach, arguing that Class VI material may not adequately meet the learning requirements of secondary school students.

Contradiction With Earlier Rollout Plan

Another concern relates to the timeline of implementation.

Earlier, on April 2, 2026, CBSE had outlined a phased implementation roadmap under which:

• Class VI would adopt the revised language framework in 2026-27.
• The policy would gradually extend to higher classes.
• Full implementation up to Class X was expected only by the 2030-31 academic session.

Critics argue that introducing the policy directly in Class IX within weeks of announcing a phased rollout creates uncertainty and leaves insufficient time for preparation.

Impact on Schools and Students

Education stakeholders believe that implementing a new language requirement midway through academic planning could affect:

• Curriculum scheduling.
• Teacher availability and training.
• Textbook procurement.
• Student workload.
• Assessment planning.

Schools in several regions may face challenges in identifying qualified language teachers and arranging suitable instructional materials within a short timeframe.

CBSE's Position

CBSE has maintained that the policy is part of broader efforts to promote multilingual education and strengthen Indian language learning among students. The board believes that multilingual proficiency can contribute to improved cognitive development and greater cultural understanding.

The three-language framework is also linked to the objectives of the National Education Policy, which encourages students to learn multiple languages while preserving linguistic diversity.

What Happens Next?

As the issue gains political and educational attention, stakeholders are awaiting a response from the Central Government and CBSE regarding the concerns raised.

Schools affiliated with CBSE are currently preparing for the July 1 implementation date while seeking further clarity on curriculum materials, teaching resources, and assessment guidelines.

The coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining whether the implementation schedule remains unchanged or if additional modifications and transitional measures are introduced to facilitate a smoother rollout of the policy.

Overall, the debate reflects the broader challenge of balancing educational reform with practical implementation, ensuring that policy changes are introduced in a manner that supports both schools and students effectively.