The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce a three-language formula from Class 6 and a two-level system for mathematics and science in Class 9 from the 2026-27 academic session, in line with the new National Curriculum Framework.
Under the revised scheme, students will study three languages organised across stages, R1, R2 and R3, with at least two required to be native Indian languages. A third language will become mandatory from Class 6 as part of a phased rollout of multilingual education.
“Languages are organised through a structured three-language framework across stages: R1, R2 and R3. As per recommendations of new National Curriculum Framework (NCF), two of these three languages must be native to India… a third language will be made mandatory from Class 6 with effect from the academic session 2026-27,” a senior board official said.
The board has allowed limited flexibility for students returning from foreign schools. In such cases, if the third language studied abroad is unavailable in India, exemptions may be granted under approved norms. However, these students will still be required to study the prescribed number of subjects.
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A significant structural change will also be introduced in mathematics and science for Class 9 students through a two-level system — standard and advanced.
“All students will study the standard curriculum and appear for a common 80-mark examination of three hours; those opting for higher proficiency can choose an additional ‘advanced’ level… This advanced component will consist of a separate 25-mark, one-hour paper designed to test higher-order thinking skills,” the official said.
While the standard examination will be mandatory, the advanced paper will be optional. Scores in the advanced paper will not be added to the aggregate marks. Instead, students securing 50 per cent or above will have the advanced-level qualification reflected separately in their mark sheets.
The new structure will come into effect for Class 9 students from the 2026–27 academic session, with the first batch appearing for Class 10 board examinations under this format in 2028.
The reforms are aimed at promoting multilingual learning and offering differentiated academic pathways based on student aptitude, while aligning school education with the broader objectives of the National Curriculum Framework.
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