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CBSE Three-Language Policy: Starting from the 2026-27 academic session, it will be mandatory for Class 9 students to study three languages. However, Class 10 students will not be required to take a Board examination for this third language.

CBSE Three-Language Policy: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a significant circular on May 15, 2026, announcing a major change in its language policy. According to this circular, beginning with the 2026-27 academic session, it will be mandatory for students in Class 9 to study three languages. However, students in Class 10 will not be required to appear for a Board examination for this third language. This change will be applicable to all schools affiliated with the CBSE. The objective of this amendment is to promote the learning of diverse languages ​​among students and to strengthen Indian languages.

What is the New Three-Language Rule?

The CBSE has introduced a three-language formula for students, designated as R1, R2, and R3. According to the new regulations, at least two of these languages ​​studied by a student must be Indian languages. Students may opt to choose a foreign language as their third language (R3), but only on the condition that the other two languages ​​they are studying are Indian languages. A foreign language may also be taken as a fourth additional subject.

Will Students Now Have to Take Board Exams for Three Languages?

The greatest relief for students regarding this change is that there will be no Board examination for the third language (R3). The assessment for R3 will be conducted internally at the school level. While the marks or grades obtained in R3 will be included in the final CBSE marksheet, no student will be barred from appearing for the Board examinations. The aim of this measure is to avoid placing undue pressure on students and to allow them to maintain their focus on their studies.

Why Was This Change Necessary?

Previously, the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) had proposed that the study of three languages ​​would commence in Class 6 and would be extended up to Class 10 by the academic year 2030-31. CBSE has now implemented this immediately for classes 9 and 10. Its primary objective is the preservation and promotion of Indian languages. Additionally, it aims to strengthen multilingual education and avoid imposing unnecessary pressure on students.

What will students study, and how?

Until the new R3 textbooks become available, the R3 textbooks designed for Class 6 will be utilized for Class 9 students. Schools will incorporate local or regional literature—such as poetry, stories, and prose—into the curriculum. Textbooks for 19 scheduled languages ​​will be made available to schools by July 1, 2026. CBSE has also granted special exemptions for certain students; these include exemptions from studying a second or third language under the RPWD Act, 2016, as well as specific provisions for students returning from abroad and those studying in CBSE-affiliated schools located overseas.

Updates Schools Must Undertake

Schools are required to update their language-related information on the OASIS portal by June 30, 2026. Schools may select languages ​​from this list according to their convenience, provided that the stipulation regarding the inclusion of two Indian languages ​​is fulfilled. A foreign language may be taught as a third language only if the other two languages ​​selected are Indian languages; alternatively, it may be opted for as a fourth subject.