Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan clarified the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) 3-Language Policy. Students will not be forced to drop languages they have studied since Class 6. The policy will be implemented gradually. This addresses concerns from parents and students regarding Classes 9 and 10. The new policy mandates studying three languages for students in Classes 6 to 10. The implementation begins in the 2026-2027 academic session. The clarification eases anxieties about wasted study efforts.
Policy Implementation Details
The 3-Language Policy will apply to Class 6 starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. It will extend to Class 7 in 2027-2028. This phased approach allows for gradual integration. By the 2030-2031 academic session, all classes from 6 to 10 will follow the policy. Students already studying two foreign languages can continue with those subjects until their Class 10 board exams. They will not need to discontinue them.
Language Requirements
The policy requires students to study three different languages. The first language (R1) can be any language offered by CBSE. The second language (R2) must differ from R1. The third language (R3) must be different from both R1 and R2. This allows for flexibility in language selection. Nearly 90 percent of India's 25 crore school students already study three languages. The government will provide 22 language books for each class promptly.
Implementation Schedule
The following table outlines the gradual implementation of the 3-Language Policy:
| Academic Session | Class In Which R3 Is Compulsory |
| 2026-2027 | Class 6 |
| 2027-2028 | Class 6, 7 |
| 2028-2029 | Class 6, 7, 8 |
| 2029-2030 | Class 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| 2030-2031 | Class 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
An amended notification from CBSE is expected. This document will provide precise details on the policy's implementation for each grade level. Students and parents can refer to this for further clarity on language choices and requirements.
