Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 16: The Central Board of Secondary Education has made the study of three languages compulsory for students from Class IX beginning July 1, in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.

In a circular issued on May 15, CBSE stated that at least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages.

“With effect from July 1, 2026, for Class IX, the study of three languages (R1, R2, R3) shall be compulsory, with at least two languages being native Indian languages,” the circular said.

The board also clarified that there will be no Board examination for the third language in Class X.

“All assessments for R3 shall be entirely school-based and internal. The performance of students in R3 will be duly reflected in the CBSE certificate,” it stated.

CBSE further said that no student would be barred from appearing for the Class X Board examination because of the third language requirement.

Under the revised structure, schools may offer any language from the CBSE-approved list of subjects, but at least two languages must be Indian languages. Foreign languages may only be chosen as the third language or as an optional fourth language, depending on the school’s academic structure.

To facilitate implementation, CBSE said students of Class IX would temporarily use Class VI textbooks for the third language until new secondary-level textbooks are introduced.

Schools have also been advised to include local and regional literature as part of language learning.

The board acknowledged possible shortages of language teachers and permitted interim arrangements such as resource sharing between schools, virtual classes and engagement of retired teachers or qualified postgraduate instructors.

CBSE also said relaxations would be considered on a case-by-case basis for Children with Special Needs (CwSN), schools located outside India and foreign students returning to India.