CBSE clarifies 3-language rule: One-time relief for Classes 7-9, no R3 board exam

CBSE has released guidelines for implementing the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The new rules will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic session.

Under the new guidelines, CBSE has clarified that Class 10 students will not have to study a third language in the 2026-27 academic session.

As part of the relaxation, students currently studying in Classes VII, VIII and IX will not have to appear for a CBSE Board examination in the third language when they reach Class X.

Earlier, CBSE had announced that the three-language policy would be implemented in all classes. The latest guidelines clarify how the policy will be introduced for different batches and the relaxations that will apply during the transition.

Students currently in Class VI are not covered under these relaxations. They will study three languages, including two Indian languages, and will have to appear for the Board examination in the third language when they reach Class X.

The year for that would be 2030.

"Students currently in Classes VII, VIII and IX will not have to take a Board exam in the third language in Class X. Those already studying two foreign languages can continue with them by adding one Indian language," says CBSE.

CBSE THREE LANGUAGE POLICY: KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• The current Class X students (2026-27) will continue with the existing two-language system.

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  They will not be required to study a third language.

• Students currently in Classes VII, VIII, and IX will not have to appear for a CBSE Board exam in the third language when they reach Class X.

• Grade-appropriate study material for the third language will be provided on time.

• The focus will remain on joyful learning instead of increasing examination pressure.

RULES FOR DIFFERENT CLASSES

Class X (2026-27)

• There will be no change for this batch.

• Students will continue studying two languages.

• No third language is required.

CLASS 9 (2026-27)

• Students will study three languages.

• Depending on their current language combination:

• Students already studying two Indian languages can choose either another Indian language or a foreign language as the third language.

• Students studying one Indian language and one foreign language must choose an Indian language as the third language.

• Students already studying two foreign languages will get a one-time relaxation. They can continue both foreign languages and add one Indian language.

• The third language will be assessed only by the school through an internal assessment.

• There will be no CBSE Board examination in the third language when this batch reaches Class X.

CLASSES 7 AND 8 (2026-27)

• Students in these classes will also continue with three languages when they move to Classes IX and X.

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  Students already studying two foreign languages can continue them by adding one Indian language.

• The third language will be assessed only through school-based internal assessment. There will be no Board examination for this language in Class X.

CLASS 6 (2026-27) ONWARDS

• The policy will be fully implemented for this batch.

• Students must study three languages, including two Indian languages.

• When they reach Class X, they will appear for the Board examination in the third language.

• NCERT is preparing textbooks in 22 scheduled Indian languages.

The CBSE has given exemption from the compulsory third-language requirement to some students. These include Children with Special Needs (CwSN), students studying in CBSE schools outside India, and foreign students returning to India.

The Board has also allowed students whose parents move to another state to continue with the language combination they are already studying.

To help schools implement the policy, CBSE has allowed flexible staffing arrangements. Schools can use teachers who know the required language, hire retired teachers or postgraduates, share teachers with nearby schools through Sahodaya clusters, or use virtual and hybrid teaching methods.

WHAT NEP 2020 SAYS?

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends that students learn three languages, with at least two being Indian languages (Bhartiya Bhashas).

CBSE said the objective is to promote multilingual learning while ensuring students d o not face unnecessary academic stress.

Under the new scheme:

• Students must study three languages.

• At least two of these must be Bhartiya Bhashas.

• The third language can be a foreign language if the other two are Indian languages.

Examples of Bhartiya Bhashas include Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Odia, and Assamese.

Foreign languages include English, French, German, Arabic, and Spanish.

CBSE said the implementation of the language policy is aimed at promoting multilingual learning while protecting students' interests.