The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued new guidelines for its Three Language Policy. These changes align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy mandates students learn at least three languages. Two of these must be native Indian languages, known as 'Bhartiya Bhashas'. The goal is to make language learning engaging and aid student development.
Current Class 10 students are exempt from these new guidelines. Students in Class VII, VIII, and IX this academic year will not face a board exam for their third language in Class 10. Those already studying two foreign languages in these grades must add one native Indian language.
Policy Implementation by Grade
Starting with the 2026-27 academic year, the policy applies differently to various grade levels.
Class X Students (2026-27 Batch
Students in Class X during the 2026-27 academic year will follow the previous system. They are not required to study a third language. The old two-language system remains in place for this group.
Class IX Students (2026-27 Batch
All students entering Class IX in 2026-27 must study three languages. At least two of these must be native Indian languages. Examples of native Indian languages include Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, and Bengali. Non-native languages may include English, French, or German. The third language will be assessed internally by the school. There will be no CBSE board examination for this third language.
Class VII and VIII Students (2026-27 Batch
Students in Class VII or VIII in 2026-27 will study three languages through Class X. Two of these languages must be native Indian languages. A relaxation is provided for students already studying two non-native languages. These students need to add only one native Indian language. They will continue this through Class X. Internal school-based assessment will cover the third language.
Class VI Students (2026-27 Batch and onwards
Students entering Class VI in 2026-27 and future batches will study three languages, with two being native Indian languages. When these students reach Class X, they will take a board examination for their third language. Textbooks for Class VI in 22 scheduled native Indian languages are available on www.ncert.nic.in.
Exemptions
Specific student groups are exempt from the compulsory third language requirement. Children with Special Needs (CwSN) receive exemptions as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. CBSE schools located outside India are fully exempt from the native Indian language requirement. Foreign students returning to India also receive this exemption.
