Polity · 15 Jul 2026

CBSE native non-native language classification

With reference to the recent Supreme Court hearing on CBSE's classification of languages under the NEP 2020 three-language formula, consider the following statements:

  1. English is included among the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
  2. Article 348 makes English the language to be used in the Supreme Court and in every High Court, unless the State Legislature otherwise provides.
  3. The CBSE circular advancing the three-language policy timeline moved its implementation from 2030 to 2026-27.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 2 only
D1, 2 and 3
This question is based on: Can English Be "Indian"? SC's Question Exposes a Definition NEP 2020 Never Settled
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 15 Jul 2026
About this question

Why in news

The Supreme Court questioned CBSE's July 10, 2026 circular classifying English as "non-native," calling the term colonially loaded and constitutionally undefined, with the matter returning for hearing on July 22, 2026.

Why for UPSC

UPSC often tests whether aspirants can distinguish constitutional recognition (Eighth Schedule) from constitutional usage provisions (Article 348) - two commonly conflated static facts anchored to a live current event.

Prelims summary

English is used officially in courts under Article 348 but is NOT one of the Eighth Schedule's 22 Scheduled languages; CBSE advanced the three-language formula timeline from 2030 to 2026-27, prompting the SC's classification concerns.

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