Three Languages Made Mandatory in Class 9
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced major changes in the language system for Classes 9 and 10 under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF-SE) 2023.
The Board has announced that from 1 July 2026, the study of three languages (R1, R2, R3) will be mandatory in Class 9, out of which at least two languages must be of Indian origin.
CBSE clarified that if a student wishes to study a foreign language, it can only be selected as the third language when the other two languages are Indian languages. Otherwise, the foreign language will have to be studied as an additional fourth language.
This policy will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic session.
Three-Language Policy Mandatory in CBSE Schools
CBSE has made the Three-Language Policy compulsory in all its schools for Classes 9 and 10. Under this system, students will have to study three languages, including at least two Indian languages.
The CBSE notification will be implemented from 1 July 2026. Approximately 50 lakh students studying in Classes 9 and 10 are expected to be affected by this decision.
However, students appearing for the Class 10 board examination this year will not have to take a third-language examination paper.
Schools to Select Third Language by June 30
Under the Three-Language Policy, schools are required to teach:
- One Indian language
- One regional language
- One foreign or additional language
CBSE clarified that schools can choose the third language based on students’ preferences. All schools must inform the Board about their selected language by 30 June.
The Board stated that this decision has been taken after reviewing the recently released NCERT syllabus for 2026-27.
Although the academic session began in April 2026, schools have been instructed to begin teaching the third language from 1 July 2026.
No Third-Language Paper in Class 10 Board Exam
CBSE has clearly stated that there will be no third-language paper in this year’s Class 10 board examination. However, studying the third language will still remain compulsory for students.
Until new third-language textbooks become available, Class 9 students will study using the third-language books prescribed for Class 6.
Schools have also been instructed to provide local and state-level literature for learning purposes, including poems, short stories, and other literary materials.