CBSE Three Language Policy: The decision by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to implement the new three-language policy for classes 9 and 10 has created a stir among schools, parents and students across the country. This step taken under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework (NCF-SE) 2023 has been brought in the middle of the academic session. This sudden policy change after the beginning of the session and the unit test has greatly increased the mental and academic pressure on the children preparing for the board exams. Due to this, not only the students but also their parents are troubled.

Trouble due to change in the middle of the session

CBSE has implemented the new linguistic formula from the session 2026-27, but serious questions are being raised regarding the timing of its implementation. Academics say that it is not at all logical to make such a major policy change when the new academic session has already started and children have given their first unit test. Before implementing any new rule, an entire year’s calendar and clear guidelines should be issued, rather than children being left in confusion.

New rule imposed in the middle of the session

Earlier, the board had clearly stated in its March circular that the old system will continue to be applicable to the current students of classes 9 and 10 and the new policy will be gradually extended from the lower classes. Now due to its sudden imposition in the middle of the current session, schools are also facing a crisis. This style of functioning of the Board of changing the rules without any prior notice has caused great anger among the parents and they are worried about the future of their children.

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Challenge for board students

For students who have passed Class 9 with a different linguistic pattern and have come to Class 10, this change is no less than a shock. In the important year of board exams, it will be very difficult for students to learn a completely new language and pass it. Even if the board argues that the marks of this additional language will not be added to the result of the main exam, but due to the requirements of internal assessment and certification, the precious time and energy of the students is sure to be wasted in this.

Burden of sixth language even in 12th

Parents are now afraid that CBSE may issue another new circular tomorrow and make this additional language a main part of the board examination. Some schools have even started pressurizing class 12 students to choose sixth language as a compulsory subject instead of optional. Imposing additional subjects like this at a crucial juncture of their career like 12th is directly impacting the students’ studies in their main subjects.

Direct impact on the mental health of students

Parents say that at the Class 9 level, students are already handling the heavy and difficult curriculum of subjects like Advanced Mathematics, Science and Social Science. The foundation of higher education and competitive examinations is laid from this class. In such a situation, by imposing the burden of one more compulsory language, the total number of subjects will increase. Children struggling with the pressure of coaching, homework, projects and excellent performance will have no time left for sports and mental development.

Huge problem in transfer jobs

Academics say that while formulating this policy, the problems of those families of the country who are in jobs that are repeatedly transferred from one state to another have been ignored. For example, if a parent is transferred from Tamil Nadu to Assam or Karnataka, it would be impossible for their child to adopt a new regional language and study in it every time. Due to this linguistic diversity, children will be completely left behind in the middle session.

Shortage of resources in North-East

According to educationists, under this policy it has been made mandatory to have two local or Indian languages, but the ground reality is completely different from this. CBSE in the north-eastern states of India does not have any linguistic framework that can easily fit into this policy. There is a severe shortage of qualified Hindi or Sanskrit teachers and adequate study materials in most of the schools in these states. In such a situation, it does not seem practically possible to implement this policy there.

Board race starts from 9th itself

Parents say that class 9 is not a normal class, rather it is the first step in preparation for class 10 board exam. In such a situation, the race to understand the way of writing answers, understanding the marking scheme and completing the entire syllabus on time starts from this year itself. Children are under pressure of board exams from the very first day. Suddenly the pressure of memorizing a new language at such a sensitive time will divert children from studies instead of bringing them closer to their culture.

Big shock for those choosing foreign languages

Another big concern of the parents is that in this new policy, students have not been given any flexibility to choose the language. Students who had been studying foreign languages ​​like French or German for many years and had developed interest in them, are now being forced to leave those languages ​​midway or forcibly adopt an Indian language. Years of hard work and dedication have been ruined in one fell swoop by this decision.

Plans to study abroad affected

Many students had chosen foreign languages ​​in schools keeping in mind their future careers and plans for higher education in foreign universities. Learning German or French was an important part of his long-term academic plan, so that he could prepare himself for the new board exam pattern of the year 2028. This uncertainty in the middle of the session has distracted the students and they are no longer able to concentrate even on core subjects like mathematics and science.

Fear of changing board of parents

Parents are making it clear that they are not against multilingual education or promotion of Indian languages, but the way of imposing it is completely wrong. Their demand is that the present batch of Class 9 and 10 should be allowed to proceed with the old options chosen at the beginning of the session. If the board does not resolve the issues like shortage of teachers, availability of study material and mental stress of children soon, then many families will be forced to leave the CBSE board and go to other education boards.

Also read: Class 12 Result Rechecking: CBSE 12th Result 2026: Re-checking process starts, know when and how you can apply

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