The Supreme Court of India has rejected a plea to stay the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) three-language policy for the 2026-27 academic session.

The court emphasized that 'learning a language never goes waste,' while agreeing to hear petitions challenging the policy in detail next week.

The policy requires students in Class 9 to study two Indian languages, raising concerns about students dropping languages they had been learning since Class 5.

Petitioners argued that the policy treats English as a non-native language and lacks adequate infrastructure, including teachers and textbooks for several Indian languages.

Senior advocates highlighted practical difficulties for students studying foreign languages, such as French or German, and questioned the feasibility of implementing the policy without proper resources.CBSE defended the policy, stating that nearly half of its affiliated schools already teach two or more Indian languages.

The court also addressed concerns about teacher job losses if schools alter language offerings, with the Chief Justice remarking that dismissed teachers could be reinstated.The Union government has been given 10 days to file a response to the petitions.