Annamalai Opposes Mid-Session Implementation Of CBSE’s 3-Language Rule: ‘Unnecessary Mental Stress’ | India News
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Annamalai said learning another language within such a short period could place unnecessary mental stress on students and affect their academic performance.
Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai (PTI Image)
BJP leader K Annamalai has opposed the mid-session implementation of CBSE’s three-language policy for students of Class 9, saying learning another language within such a short period could place unnecessary mental stress on children.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a mandatory three-language policy for students entering Class 9, effective from July 1, 2026. Under this policy, students will study three languages — R1, R2, and R3 — with at least two of them being Indian languages.
Taking to X, Annamalai said the sudden announcement by CBSE had caused major concern among parents, especially those of students in Tamil Nadu.
“In April 2026, when the CBSE announced that students would have to study three languages from Class 6 onward, with at least two of them being Indian languages, I was among those who welcomed the move, as it would help children understand India’s rich literary and cultural heritage from a young age,” he said.
“The notification issued in April 2026 had clearly stated that making a third language compulsory for Class 9 CBSE students would come into effect only after three years, from the 2029–30 academic year onward. However, in a new circular sent by the CBSE to all affiliated schools on May 15, 2026, the board has made a third language compulsory for Class 9 students from the current academic year itself.”
கடந்த 2026 ஆம் ஆண்டு, ஏப்ரல் மாதம், CBSE அமைப்பு, மாணவர்களுக்கு ஆறாம் வகுப்பிலிருந்து மூன்று மொழிகள் கட்டாயம் என்றும், அந்த மூன்று மொழிகளில் இரண்டு மொழிகள் இந்திய மொழிகளாக இருக்க வேண்டும் என்றும் அறிவித்தபோது, இந்தியாவின் பலதரப்பட்ட இலக்கிய மற்றும் கலாச்சார பாரம்பரியத்தை,… pic.twitter.com/JY7iIXMLdY— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) May 26, 2026
Since the rule would come into effect on July 1, Annamalai said it would place unnecessary mental stress on children and could affect their overall academic performance.
“Therefore, I urge the Union Education Ministry to immediately withdraw this new circular and implement the three-language requirement for Class 9 students, including the compulsory study of two Indian languages, only from the 2029–30 academic year as originally announced.”
The CBSE’s revised framework, issued through a recent circular, mandates that from July 1, Class 9 students must study three languages (R1, R2, and R3), with at least two being Indian languages. The reform is part of the board’s effort to align its curriculum with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.
However, the new policy triggered concerns among parents, students and school administrators, particularly about its mid-session implementation and its impact on those studying a foreign language as their second language.
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