cbse-mandates-three-language-formula-from-class-ix

The Central Board of Secondary Education has made the study of three languages compulsory for students from Class IX beginning July 1, while clarifying that there will be no Board examination for the third language in Class X.

 

In a circular issued on May 15, the CBSE said at least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages, in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.

 

“With effect from July 1, 2026, for Class IX, the study of three languages (R1, R2, R3) shall be compulsory, with at least two languages being native Indian languages,” the circular stated.

 

However, the Board clarified that no Board examination would be conducted for the third language at the Class X level in order to “keep the focus on learning and reduce any undue pressure on students”.

 

“All assessments for R3 shall be entirely school-based and internal. The performance of students in R3 will be duly reflected in the CBSE certificate,” the Board said.

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It added that no student would be barred from appearing in the Class X Board examinations because of the third language requirement.

 

According to the CBSE, schools may offer any language from the Board’s approved list of subjects, provided at least two of the chosen languages are Indian languages.

 

Foreign languages can only be studied as the third language if the other two are Indian languages, or as an optional fourth language.

 

As part of the transition process, the CBSE said Class IX students would temporarily use Class VI textbooks for the third language until dedicated secondary-stage textbooks become available.

 

Schools have also been advised to supplement the learning material with local or state literary content.

 

The Board further said schools facing shortages of qualified language teachers could adopt interim arrangements such as inter-school resource sharing, virtual teaching support, or hiring retired teachers and qualified postgraduates.

 

The CBSE also announced relaxations for Children with Special Needs, schools located outside India, and foreign students returning to India on a case-by-case basis.