UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Parents, students challenge CBSE three-language rule

Q1. With reference to the origins of the Three-Language Formula, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Education (Kothari) Commission functioned during 1964-66 and developed a national pattern for all stages of education.
  2. The first National Policy on Education, issued in 1968, drew upon the recommendations of the Kothari Commission.
  3. The Kothari Commission's national pattern of education was recommended for the university stage only.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. The first National Policy on Education in independent India, framed on the recommendations of the Education (Kothari) Commission, was issued in which one of the following years?

  • A. 1964
  • B. 1966
  • C. 1968
  • D. 1986

Q3. With reference to the language provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. The three-language formula is to continue but with greater flexibility.
  2. At least two of the three languages studied should be native to India.
  3. The medium of instruction should be the mother tongue/local language at least till Grade 5.
  4. Sanskrit is to be a compulsory language at all levels of education.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 3 and 4 only

Q4. With reference to the language framework under NEP 2020, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Under NEP 2020, no language shall be imposed on any State.
  2. NEP 2020 recommends the mother tongue/local language as the medium of instruction at least till Grade 5 and preferably till Grade 8.
  3. NEP 2020 mandates that all three languages under the formula must be native to India.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q5. Under CBSE's three-language scheme for Class 9 effective from 1 July 2026, the second language (R2) may be chosen from among how many languages offered by CBSE?

  • A. 22
  • B. 38
  • C. 43
  • D. 51

Q6. The requirement making three-language study compulsory for Class 9 from July 2026 was operationalised through a circular issued by which one of the following bodies?

  • A. National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
  • B. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
  • C. Ministry of Education
  • D. National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)

Q7. With reference to the Supreme Court proceedings on the CBSE three-language policy, consider the following statements. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. The plea was heard by a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
  2. The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre, the CBSE and the NCERT seeking their replies.
  3. The Supreme Court granted an interim stay on the CBSE three-language policy.
  4. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the petitioner.
  • A. 1, 2 and 4
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q8. With reference to the Supreme Court's handling of the pleas against the CBSE three-language policy, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Supreme Court declined to pass any interim order against the CBSE three-language policy.
  2. The Supreme Court tagged the plea with other similar petitions pending on the issue.
  3. The Supreme Court struck down the CBSE circular as unconstitutional.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q9. Education was transferred from the State List to the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule by which one of the following constitutional amendments?

  • A. The Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976
  • B. The Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Act, 1978
  • C. The Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, 1992
  • D. The Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002

Q10. With reference to Tamil Nadu's stance on the language policy in education, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Tamil Nadu follows a two-language policy of Tamil and English.
  2. Tamil Nadu is the only Indian State where Hindi is not compulsory in schools.
  3. Both the DMK and the AIADMK support the three-language component of NEP 2020.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3