Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 10: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to implement the three-language system from Class 6 starting the 2026-27 academic year, giving institutions a strict seven-day deadline to comply.
In a circular issued on April 9, the board stated that the revised Scheme of Studies for 2026-27 mandates the introduction of the third language component (R3) at the Class 6 level. While some schools have already begun implementation, the directive makes it compulsory for all remaining institutions to follow immediately.
CBSE has instructed schools to begin teaching the third language even though prescribed textbooks are not yet available. Institutions have been asked to use locally available books and materials in line with the competencies outlined in the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE-2023) until official textbooks are released.
Schools have also been asked to finalise the third language they will offer and inform their respective regional CBSE offices. The selected language options must be updated on the board’s OASIS portal. The board clarified that only languages introduced at the Class 6 level will be available as subject choices in Classes 9 and 10 going forward.
The move is part of CBSE’s transition to a proficiency-based three-language model, where students will study three languages up to Class 10 at different levels — advanced (R1), intermediate (R2), and foundational (R3).
The rollout will be phased over the next four years, with R3 textbooks introduced at Class 6 in 2026-27 and gradually extended to higher classes, reaching Class 10 by 2031. The first batch under the new system is expected to appear for Class 10 board exams in 2031.
For students entering Class 9 in 2026-27, the transition will be partial, with two languages becoming effectively mandatory at higher proficiency levels, while the third language remains optional during the initial phase.
CBSE also noted that the 2027 board exams will be the last under the existing language policy. Additionally, the board has expanded language options at the secondary level, introducing subjects such as Maithili, Santali, Dogri and Konkani from the 2026-27 academic session.