CBSE Makes Three Languages Mandatory for Classes 9 and 10 from July 1; No Board Exam for Third Language
CBSE Makes Three Languages Mandatory for Classes 9 and 10 from July 1; No Board Exam for Third Language
June 16, 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated the study of three languages for students in Classes 9 and 10 from July 1, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023.
Under the revised scheme, students will be required to study three languages, with at least two of them being Indian languages. CBSE has issued a circular to affiliated schools outlining the implementation of the new language policy.
According to the board, students opting for a foreign language may choose it as their third language only if the other two languages are Indian. Otherwise, the foreign language may be offered as an additional fourth language.
The board has also clarified that there will be no Class 10 board examination for the third language, designated as R-3 under the new framework. Instead, assessment of the subject will be conducted internally by schools.
CBSE has categorised languages into three groups, R-1, R-2 and R-3 as part of the revised structure. While the policy applies to secondary classes, textbooks for the R-3 language at the Class 9 level are yet to be made available. As an interim arrangement, students entering Class 9 will use Class 6 R-3 language textbooks for the 2026–27 academic session.
The board has informed schools that R-3 textbooks for Class 6 will be available in 19 languages before July 1. Schools have also been directed to upload details of students’ third-language choices for Classes 6 to 9 on the OASIS portal by June 30.
Education officials said the move is aimed at strengthening multilingual education and promoting Indian languages in accordance with the objectives of NEP 2020.
The circular also provides certain relaxations for children with disabilities, students studying in CBSE schools abroad, and those returning to India from foreign education systems.
The revised language policy is expected to be implemented across CBSE-affiliated schools from the beginning of July.
https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/Circulars/2026/33_Circular_2026.pdf
