CBSE Three-Language Policy: Class 10 Students Exempted, What Are The Major Changes For 6-9 Standard? | Education and Career News
Last Updated:
CBSE schools have been instructed to provide the necessary academic resources and support to help these students continue their language education without disruption.
Students currently in class 10 are exempted from CBSE 3-language policy. (File/Representative Image)
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Monday released the guidelines on the implementation of the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Board has clarified how the policy will apply to students from classes 6 to 9, while assuring that the transition will be gradual and that no student will be placed at a disadvantage because of the new framework.
Meanwhile, students currently in class 10 are exempted.
Why has CBSE issued these new guidelines?
CBSE says the objective is to align school education with the vision of NEP 2020, which promotes multilingualism and encourages students to learn Indian languages in a meaningful and practical manner. “The objective is to make language learning a meaningful, engaging, and enriching experience that contributes to the holistic development of every learner,” the Board said.
What happens to students who are currently in Class 9?
Students studying in Class 9 during the 2026-27 academic session will continue with the new language framework, but they will receive a significant relaxation.
For this batch, the third language (R3) will be assessed through an internal assessment by the respective schools. There will be no board exam for the third language when they reach Class 10 in the 2027-28 academic session.
Rules for students currently in Classes 7 and 8
Students who are presently studying in Classes 7 and 8 will continue learning three languages when they move to Classes 9 and 10. Under the new policy, two of these must be Indian native languages.
However, CBSE has provided a special relaxation for these students.
Those who have already chosen and started studying two non-native languages will not be required to replace both languages. Instead, they will only need to add one native Indian language/Bhartiya Bhasha and continue studying it until Class 10.
Like the current Class 9 batch, these students will also be assessed in the third language through an internal school-based assessment. They will not have to appear for a CBSE Board examination in the third language.
What changes for students currently in Class 6?
Students studying in Class 6 during the 2026-27 academic year, as well as all future batches, will follow the three-language policy in its complete form.
“Out of the three languages, two would be Bhartiya Bhashas for this batch and onwards. When this batch and the subsequent Class VI batches progress to Class X, they shall take the Board examination of R3,” the Board stated in the notice.
To support implementation, CBSE has said that NCERT is preparing dedicated Class 6 textbooks for all 22 scheduled Bhartiya Bhashas.
Who is exempt from the three-language policy?
CBSE has also announced several exemptions to ensure the policy remains inclusive and practical.
– Children with Special Needs will continue receiving relaxations and exemptions in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016.
– CBSE-affiliated schools operating outside India are completely exempt from the requirement to offer a native Indian language as the third language.
– Foreign students who return to India and enrol in CBSE schools will also be exempt from studying a native Indian language as their third language.
– Students currently in class 10. “It is reiterated that there will be no change for students who are in Class X during 2026–27, and they will continue with the old system of two languages. No third language is required to be taken by this batch,” the notice added.
What if a family moves to another state?
If parents or guardians migrate to another state, students will be allowed to continue studying the same third language they selected during the middle stage, even after entering Class IX.
“In the case of parents/guardians migrating to another state, the student may continue with the existing combination of languages they opted for as R3 in Middle Stage in Class IX also. In such cases, schools must necessarily provision adequate resources to support the student’s choices,” states the official notice.
Schools have been instructed to provide the necessary academic resources and support to help these students continue their language education without disruption.
Role of schools
To help schools implement the policy without facing teacher shortages, CBSE has directed schools to use existing teachers who have functional proficiency in the language, engage retired teachers, appoint postgraduate teachers where required, collaborate with Sahodaya school clusters to share teachers, and adopt virtual or hybrid teaching methods for language instruction.
CBSE has reiterated that the three-language policy is designed to promote multilingual learning while safeguarding students’ interests during the transition. The Board has stressed that the emphasis is on meaningful language acquisition, cultural rootedness and developing multilingual abilities—not on increasing examination pressure. It has also assured schools that they will continue receiving academic support through NCERT learning resources, teacher training and capacity-building programmes.
About the Author
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, …Read More
Read More