The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has updated its Three Language Policy for students in Classes 6 to 10. Students currently in Classes 9 and 10 will be exempt from studying an additional native Indian language for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years. This change offers a reprieve for older students but raises questions for younger ones.
Students in present Classes 6, 7, and 8 must now study at least two native Indian languages. English can serve as the third language. This policy applies to CBSE schools within India, excluding children with special needs and foreign return students.
Three Language Policy Explained
The CBSE's revised circular clarifies the Three Language Policy. The formula mandates specific language combinations based on a student's current grade level and their chosen subjects.
The table below outlines the policy's impact on different student cohorts:
| Current Class | Subjects Opted For | Three Language Formula | Assessment | Year of Class 10 Board Exam | Foreign Language Eligibility |
| Class 10 | English + Hindi or Any Other Language (Including Foreign) | No Change | Students take board exams in two selected languages. | 2027 | No change. No third language required. |
| Class 9 | English + Hindi or Any Other Native Language | Study one additional native Indian language (e.g., Sanskrit, Tamil). | Internal assessment for the third language; board exams for two languages. | 2028 | Third language cannot be foreign or non-native. |
| Class 9 | Hindi + Sanskrit or Other Native Language | Study one non-native language (e.g., English, French, German). | Internal assessment for the third language; board exams for two languages. | 2028 | Third language can be foreign, including English. |
| Class 9 | English + French or Other Non-Native Language | Study one native Indian language (e.g., Sanskrit, Tamil). | Internal assessment for the third language; board exams for two languages. | 2028 | Special exemption: Third language for internal assessment only. Board exams for two original languages. |
| Classes 8 and 7 | Currently studying three languages (2 native, 1 non-native like English/French). | Continue current subjects. One language designated as R3 for internal assessment. | Internal assessment for R3; board exams for two languages. | 2029, 2030 | Optional fourth language for study, no assessment. |
| Classes 8 and 7 | Currently studying two non-native and one native language (e.g., English + French + Hindi). | Study one additional native Indian language as R3. Second non-native language can be moved or discontinued. | Internal assessment for R3; board exams for two languages. | 2029, 2030 | Optional fourth language for study, no assessment. |
| Class 6 | Must study three languages, including two native Indian languages. | All three languages continue until Class 10. | Board examination for all three languages. | 2031 onwards | Optional fourth language for study, no assessment. |
School-Level Adjustments Expected
While the policy permits students to continue foreign languages, schools may face logistical challenges. Integrating three languages into the curriculum, alongside core subjects and extracurricular activities, could lead to schools discontinuing foreign language offerings.
Schools must balance teaching schedules with subject offerings. Typically, 35-45 teaching periods per week accommodate core subjects, languages, and activities like sports and arts. Adding a mandatory third language increases the academic load.
Many schools have already adjusted timetables for Class 6 students, making two native languages and English compulsory. Options for native languages may also be limited by the availability of qualified teachers in specific regions.
Foreign Language Study Options
For students keen on foreign languages, pursuing external courses from dedicated institutes like the Goethe Institute for German or Alliance Française for French is recommended. Certificate courses from other institutions can also supplement academic records.
