PolitySocial Issues
News 13 of 24

SC on CBSE Three-Language Formula: Is English a Foreign Language?

PolitySocial IssuesSUPPORT
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
27 Aug 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:10% of Indians speak English (2011 Census)Macaulay's Minute 1835English arrived 400 years ago (17th century)Sanskrit arrived 3,500 years ago56 languages shown as subsets of Hindi in Census
Bodies:Supreme CourtCBSEUniversity of DelhiPeople's Linguistic Survey of India
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Supreme Court hearing challenges to CBSE three-language formula that mandates two of three languages must be native Indian, excluding English.

2.Experts argue English has been Indianised and cannot be called foreign; it serves as a link language in governance and higher education.

3.The debate highlights Hindi imperialism and suppression of other regional languages, with Census data showing 56 languages listed as subsets of Hindi.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The Supreme Court is examining the CBSE's three-language formula which excludes English as a 'native Indian language'. Experts debate whether English, with its 400-year history in India, should be considered foreign. The discussion touches on linguistic imperialism, the role of English in social mobility, and the erosion of regional languages.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Census 2011 English speakers10% of Indian population
Macaulay's Minute1835
English arrival in India17th century (400 years ago)
Indo-European language familyHindi and English share same root

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Census 2011 English speakers: 10% of Indian population
  • ›Macaulay's Minute: 1835
  • ›Target this Data: 10% of Indians speak English (Census 2011)
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) - implements three-language formula
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Supreme Court hearing on classification of English as 'non-indigenous' under three-language formula

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which body is responsible for implementing the three-language formula that is being challenged in the Supreme Court?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the debate on English in India:

1. According to the article, English arrived in India in the 17th century, about 400 years ago.

2. The Census of India 2011 shows that 15% of the Indian population speaks English.

3. Apoorvanand argues that English has been Indianised and cannot be called foreign.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the 2011 Census, what percentage of the Indian population speaks English?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary concern raised by Apoorvanand regarding the impact of Hindi in Hindi-speaking regions?

All 25 MCQs ▸
Read original article from The Hindu
You finished this topic
Practice 3 MCQs from this newsNext Article
Explore Related Topics
PolityView Topic MCQs →Social IssuesView Topic MCQs →
PreviousIndia's Proposed 28 MT Crude, 9 MT LNG, 4 MT LPG Strategic Fuel ReservesNext PM Modi's Central Asia Visit: SCO Summit at Bishkek, Uzbekistan State Visit Marks Strategic Return
Related Current Affairs
Polity Current Affairs

SC to Examine Constitutional Validity of Treating English as Non-Indigenous Under CBSE's Three-Language Policy (NEP 2026-27)

The Supreme Court has raised a critical constitutional question: can English be classified as a 'non-indigenous' language under the CBSE's three-language policy (NEP 2026-27)? The court questioned the colonial undertones of the term 'native' and highlighted English's deep roots in Indian society, signaling a potential re-examination of language policy in education.

Health & Education Current Affairs

CBSE Mandates Two Bhartiya Bhashas Under NEP 2020 Three-Language Formula from Class 6 (2026-27)

CBSE schools from the 2026-27 academic session must offer two Indian languages (Bhartiya Bhashas) as R2 and R3 under NEP 2020's three-language formula. However, practical roadblocks like teacher shortages, limited language options, and transition issues for existing students threaten effective implementation, with Hindi and Sanskrit becoming default third languages.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Flags CBSE Three-Language Policy for Class 9 from July 2026, Cites Student Pressure & Teacher Shortage

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the CBSE's three-language policy for Class 9 students, emphasizing the need to avoid burdening children. The Court questioned the implementation timeline, teacher availability, and the starting class, suggesting an expert committee to address issues. The policy aligns with NEP 2020.

Polity Current Affairs

CBSE 3-Language Policy: SC Informed of Implementation Plan for Class 9 Students

The Supreme Court is reviewing the CBSE's new policy making three languages, including at least two Indian languages, compulsory for Class 9 students. The Centre has informed the court it is working on an implementation plan, addressing concerns about student pressure and infrastructure. This is a key test of the National Education Policy 2020's implementation in schools.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Proposes Exempting Current Class 6 from Three-Language Policy; Centre Seeks More Time

The Supreme Court has proposed exempting the current Class 6 batch from the mandatory three-language policy, suggesting implementation from January 1, 2027. The Centre has sought more time to decide, while the court has asked for details on teacher availability and infrastructure.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Releases New Gender Sensitivity Handbook, Replaces 2023 Version; Recommends Survivor-Centric Language & Trauma-Informed Court Practices

The Supreme Court has released a new report titled 'Judgments and Gender' replacing its 2023 handbook on combating gender stereotypes. The report, drafted by an expert committee headed by former SC judge Justice Aniruddha Bose, provides practical guidelines for judges to use survivor-centric language, avoid morality-laden expressions, and adopt trauma-informed courtroom practices. This is crucial for UPSC as it reflects judicial reforms in gender sensitivity and victim protection.

Polity Current Affairs

CBSE Mandates Three Languages Including Two Native Indian Languages for Class 9 from July 2026

The Centre informed the Supreme Court it is working on implementing the CBSE's three-language policy, making two native Indian languages compulsory for Class 9 from July 2026. The policy aligns with NEP 2020, but faces challenges over implementation timelines and infrastructure, with the SC seeking a balanced solution.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Directs TN to Identify Land for Navodaya Schools in 3 Months Amid Language Policy Row

The Supreme Court orally observed that Tamil Nadu must drop its 'anti-Hindi mindset' and comply with the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme. The state argues language choice is a fundamental right and its two-language policy law prevents the three-language formula. The court gave three months to identify land and scheduled next hearing on December 14, 2026.

Start Today's Quiz(25 Qs)