CBSE Three Language Policy: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an important circular on 15 May 2026, in which a major change has been made in the language policy. According to this, it will be necessary for class 9 students to study three languages ​​from the academic session of 2026-27. However, class 10 students will not have to appear for the board exam of this third language. This change will be applicable to all CBSE affiliated schools. The purpose of this change is to promote education of different languages ​​among students and to strengthen Indian languages.

What is the new rule of three languages?

CBSE has introduced the formula of three languages ​​for students. Which have been named R1, R2 and R3. According to the new rule, at least two languages ​​of the students should be Indian languages. Students can choose a foreign language as the third language (R3) if they wish, but only if the other two languages ​​are Indian. Foreign language can also be taken as a fourth additional subject.

Will board exams now have to be given in three languages?

The biggest relief to the students in this change is that there will be no board exam for the third language (R3). R3 will be evaluated internally at the school level. Its marks or grades will be included in the final marksheet of CBSE, but no student will be prevented from appearing in the board examination. Its purpose is not to put extra pressure on the students and to maintain focus on studies.

Why was this change necessary?

Earlier in the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), it was said that the study of three languages ​​would start from class 6 and reach class 10 by 2030-31. CBSE has now implemented it immediately till classes 9 and 10. Its main objective is the preservation and promotion of Indian languages. Also, multilingual education needs to be strengthened and students should not be put under unnecessary pressure.

Also read – CBSE changed the language scheme of 9th-10th class, now it will be necessary to study two Indian languages.

What will students study and how?

Until new R3 books are available, Class 6 R3 books will be used for Class 9 students. Schools will include local or regional literature, such as poems, stories and prose material, in the curriculum. Books of 19 scheduled languages ​​will be made available to schools before July 1, 2026. CBSE has also given special relaxation for some students. Which includes exemption from studying second or third language under RPWD Act 2016 and rules for students returning from abroad and students of CBSE schools abroad.

Schools will have to do these updates

Schools will have to update their language information on the OASIS portal by 30 June 2026. Schools can choose the language from this list as per their convenience, but the rule of two Indian languages ​​should be fulfilled. A foreign language can be taught as a third language only if the other two languages ​​are Indian, or it can be taken as a fourth subject.

Also read – What is the opinion of students and parents on CBSE’s three language policy? Know their ‘mind’s words’

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