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Central Board of Secondary Education has announced a significant change in its language policy for students of Classes 9 and 10. Starting from July 1, 2026, the board will make the three-language formula compulsory for all students in these classes under the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Under the revised system, students will now be required to study three languages, and at least two of them must be Indian languages.

The move follows similar changes already introduced for Class 6 students in the current academic session.

Three-Language Formula to Become Mandatory

According to the new circular issued by CBSE on May 15, 2026:

• Students of Classes 9 and 10 must study three languages
• The languages will be categorized as R1, R2, and R3
• At least two languages must be of Indian origin

The new policy will officially come into effect from:

• July 1, 2026
• Academic Session 2026–27

The decision has been taken in line with:

• National Education Policy 2020
• National Curriculum Framework

What the New Rules Mean for Students

Two Indian Languages Are Compulsory

Students selecting three languages must ensure:

• Minimum two languages are native Indian languages
• The third language can be foreign or Indian

This rule applies to all CBSE-affiliated schools across the country.

Foreign Languages Allowed With Conditions

CBSE has clarified that:

• Students may choose a foreign language only if the other two selected languages are Indian
• Foreign languages can also be studied as a fourth optional subject

This gives flexibility to students interested in international languages while still promoting Indian linguistic diversity.

Temporary Arrangement for Third Language Books

Since the policy is being introduced mid-session, CBSE has announced an interim academic arrangement.

Until new textbooks for the third language (R3) are introduced for Classes 9 and 10:

• Students will temporarily study from Class 6 R3 textbooks

This measure is intended to avoid disruption during the transition phase.

Relaxation for Schools Facing Teacher Shortage

CBSE has also acknowledged that some schools may struggle to find qualified teachers for Indian languages.

To address this issue, schools have been permitted to:

• Hire retired teachers
• Share teachers through Sahodaya school clusters
• Conduct hybrid or online language classes

The board believes these measures will help institutions implement the policy smoothly.

Why CBSE Introduced This Policy

The three-language formula is part of the government’s broader effort to:

• Promote multilingual education
• Encourage learning of Indian languages
• Strengthen cultural understanding
• Improve cognitive and communication skills among students

Education experts associated with NEP 2020 have repeatedly emphasized that multilingual learning helps students develop stronger analytical and linguistic abilities.

Impact on Students and Schools

The decision is expected to impact:

• Lakhs of CBSE students across India
• Thousands of affiliated schools

Schools may now need to:

• Revise timetables
• Arrange additional language teachers
• Update curriculum planning
• Introduce new language-learning support systems

Meanwhile, students and parents are likely to pay closer attention to language selection while planning future academic pathways.

Important Highlights at a Glance

Key Change	Details
Effective Date	July 1, 2026
Applicable Classes	9 and 10
Total Languages Required	3
Minimum Indian Languages	2
Foreign Language Allowed	Yes, with conditions
Temporary Study Material	Class 6 R3 textbooks
Policy Basis	NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023

The latest reform marks one of the biggest curriculum-level language changes introduced by CBSE in recent years and reflects the growing focus on multilingual education in India’s school system.

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