The Central Board of Secondary Education has issued a circular requiring students in Classes 9 and 10 to study three languages, effective 1 July 2026. The rule aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and will apply to all CBSE‑affiliated schools.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released a circular on 15 May 2026 stating that the study of three languages will become compulsory for students in Classes 9 and 10 from the start of the 2026‑27 academic session, i.e., 1 July 2026 [1]. The directive applies to every CBSE‑affiliated school across India and is slated to affect more than one million students enrolled in the two grades [1].
The policy was announced by CBSE officials in New Delhi and is documented in a formal press release dated 29 June 2026 [2]. The board’s decision references the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 (NCF‑SE 2023) [1].
The current cohort of Class X students will not be subject to the new requirement, while students presently in Classes VII, VIII and IX will transition to the three‑language model in the coming years [2].
Policy Framework and Guidelines
The three‑language rule mandates that each student study three languages, designated R1, R2 and R3. At least two of the three languages must be Indian languages, such as Hindi, a regional language, or any other language listed in the Indian Constitution’s Eighth Schedule [1]. The third language (R3) may be a foreign language, but it will not be examined by an external board in the Class 10 board examinations [1].
Policy Framework and Guidelines The three‑language rule mandates that each student study three languages, designated R1, R2 and R3.
CBSE’s circular specifies that the R3 language will be assessed internally by the school and will not carry a separate board‑level examination in Class 10 [1]. The board also clarified that the requirement applies uniformly to all students in Classes 9 and 10, regardless of the medium of instruction or the state in which the school operates [2].
Schools are required to submit implementation plans to CBSE by 30 June 2026, and the board will monitor compliance through its regional offices [2].
The policy’s alignment with NEP 2020 reflects the national emphasis on multilingual proficiency, as the policy encourages “learning at least three languages” for all students [4].
CBSE Announces Mandatory Three‑Language Curriculum for Classes 9‑10 Starting July 2026
The immediate effect of the policy is that over one million students in Classes 9 and 10 will need to enroll in three language courses beginning the 2026‑27 session [1]. Schools must adjust timetables, recruit qualified language teachers, and develop curriculum materials for the additional language component [2]. The absence of a board exam for R3 reduces the high‑stakes assessment pressure for that language but requires schools to design internal evaluation mechanisms [1].
For educators, the rule creates a demand for teachers proficient in both Indian and foreign languages to deliver the R3 curriculum [2]. Teacher training programs are expected to incorporate modules on multilingual instruction to meet the new standards [4]. Institutions will also need to update their resource libraries and digital platforms to support three‑language instruction across all grade levels [3].
Students currently in Class X will complete their board examinations under the existing two‑language system, as the board explicitly exempted the present batch from the new requirement [2].
Students currently in Class X will complete their board examinations under the existing two‑language system, as the board explicitly exempted the present batch from the new requirement [2]. However, students in Classes VII, VIII and IX will transition to the three‑language model in the subsequent academic years, ensuring that by the time they reach Class 9 they will be prepared for the mandatory curriculum [3].
The policy is expected to standardize language education across CBSE schools, providing a uniform framework for multilingual learning nationwide [4]. By mandating at least two Indian languages, the board aims to strengthen regional language proficiency while offering flexibility for a third language, which may be selected based on local preferences or future academic goals [1].
Key Facts
What: CBSE mandates three languages for Classes 9‑10, with at least two Indian languages.
When: Effective 1 July 2026, for the 2026‑27 academic session.
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