CBSE’s new three language policy has now become a big debate across the country. Till a few weeks ago, this change was believed to be limited only to class 6 students, but now the board has issued a new circular for classes 9 and 10 also. After this, many questions have arisen among students, parents and schools whether a new burden is suddenly being imposed on children? Will there really be freedom to choose language? And the biggest question is whether the children who have never read a third Indian language will now suddenly have trouble reading a new language?

What had CBSE said earlier?

CBSE had issued the first major circular on April 9, 2026, in which it was said to implement the third language i.e. R3 in class 6 from the academic session 2026-27. At that time the board had described it as ‘phase wise rollout’ under NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023. Meaning, it will start only from class 6 and the same batch will move forward and reach the completely new system by 2030-31. At that time, in many reports and statements of board officials, it was clearly stated that this rule will not be applicable to class 9 students. However, after about 37 days, now CBSE has issued a new circular, in which it has been said that from July 1, 2026, it will be mandatory to study three languages ​​in class 9 also. This means that now this rule is being applied not only to junior classes but also to secondary level students.

Will the rule also apply to students appearing for 10th board this year?

No. This new rule will not be applicable to the students who are appearing for Class 10 board exam in 2026. This change is being implemented from the academic session 2026-27 and will affect those students who will take admission in class 9 from July 2026 this year. This means that the current board batch will not need to change the language midway, but the students who will start class 9th in the next session will have to adopt the new three-language system.

After all, what is the new rule?

According to the new rules of CBSE, students will have to study three languages ​​i.e. R1, R2 and R3. At least two of these languages ​​must be Indian. If a student wants to study French, German or any other foreign language, then it can be chosen as the third language only if the other two languages ​​are Indian. CBSE says that its objective is to promote Indian languages ​​and multilingual education. The board is currently preparing books in 19 Indian languages, which include languages ​​like Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam and Marathi. However, it is a matter of relief that there will be no board exam in class 10 of the third language i.e. R3. His examination will be held at school level and marks will be recorded only in the certificate.

How will children handle a sudden new language?

This question is being asked the most now. Many parents say that it will not be easy for children who have studied French or German till now or have studied only in the pattern of two languages, to suddenly start a new Indian language. Especially in class 9, when the pressure of studies increases more than before. Delhi Parents Association President Aparajita Gautam has raised many questions on this decision. He says that the problem is not with any language, but with the way it is implemented. According to him, ‘If any change has to be made then preparation should be done first. Parents have already bought the books. The children have chosen their subjects. In such a situation, suddenly changing the rules can increase problems for many families. Another big question of his is that why was the opinion of the parents not taken before such a big decision?

NEP says one thing, something else on the ground?

It is clearly written in the National Education Policy i.e. NEP 2020 that no language will be imposed on any student. Students will be given flexibility and will be able to choose the language of their choice. Many parents say that things seem different at the ground level. Some schools are directly making Sanskrit R3. Whereas languages ​​like French and German are gradually being limited to hobby or extra activity, which will be taught as the 4th language. Many parents claim that they were not given real options.

Parents’ opinions also differ

Parents do not have the same opinion on this entire issue. Deepali, a parent living in Dwarka, says that her child was studying French and was getting international exposure. According to him, in today’s time it is important to learn a global language, because many opportunities for further studies and career are related to it. Now they fear that the child will have to get separate tuition. At the same time, Mamta, a parent of a private school in East Delhi, says that she has introduced Sanskrit as a second language to her child, because she herself can help in that language. However, their child is not completely comfortable with this change yet.

Another parent Meenu says that she had chosen French for her child because he studies in an international environment. The name of his school is also international and there is a possibility of further studies abroad. According to her, if two Indian languages ​​are to be taught then she will choose Hindi and the other Sanskrit, but along with English, she will also give tuition in German to the child.

Schools also face the challenge of preparation

CBSE has asked schools to update their third language information on the OASIS portal by June 30, 2026. In schools where there are no language teachers, permission has been given to take online classes, hybrid system or the help of retired teachers. However, the question is whether all the schools across the country will be ready so soon? There is already a shortage of language teachers in many schools. In such a situation, implementing a new language can become a big challenge not only for children but also for schools.

Now what next?

CBSE says that the purpose of this change is not to burden children but to make them multilingual. These are the biggest questions at the moment.

• Will this change improve education?
• Will children really have the freedom to choose their language?
• Or will it gradually become the new academic pressure?

The answers to these questions will determine the next steps of schools and CBSE in the coming months.

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

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