The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant curriculum change, making the study of three languages mandatory for students in Classes 9 and 10. This new policy, which aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic session, starting July 1, 2026.
Promoting Multilingualism While Reducing Stress
Under the revised framework, students will be required to choose three languages, designated as R1, R2, and R3. A key stipulation is that at least two of these three selections must be native Indian languages. This move aims to foster multilingual learning and strengthen the presence of Indian language education within schools.
Addressing concerns about potential academic burden, CBSE has clarified that the third language will be exempt from the high-stakes Class 10 Board examination. This decision, detailed in a circular issued on May 15, 2026, intends to allow students to focus on language acquisition without the added pressure of a board exam, providing substantial relief to both students and parents.
Implementation and Support for Schools
To facilitate a smooth transition for the 2026-27 academic year, CBSE has advised schools to temporarily use Class 6-level textbooks for teaching the third language in Classes 9 and 10 until new dedicated learning materials are developed. Educational institutions are also encouraged to integrate supplementary regional and literary content, such as local fiction, short stories, and poems, to enrich the language learning experience. Comprehensive teaching guidelines for these resources are expected by June 15, 2026.
Addressing Faculty Constraints
Acknowledging that smaller institutions might face challenges in recruiting qualified language faculty, CBSE has authorized several temporary measures. Schools will be permitted to share instructors through Sahodaya school clusters, utilize hybrid or online teaching models, hire retired educators, and appoint qualified postgraduate language instructors. Furthermore, the board has confirmed that textbooks for 19 scheduled Indian languages will be delivered to schools well in advance of the July 1 launch date.