The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released comprehensive Guidelines for the Implementation of the Three-Language Scheme in all CBSE-affiliated schools from the Academic Session 2026-27, in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The Board stated that the objective of the new language policy is to promote multilingualism, strengthen Bharatiya Bhashas (Indian languages), and make language learning meaningful, enjoyable, and development-oriented without adding unnecessary academic pressure on students.
Key Highlights of the New Three-Language Scheme
Three Languages for Class IX Students
From the academic session 2026-27, every student studying in Class IX must study three languages, with at least two of them being Bharatiya Bhashas (Indian languages).
Examples of Bharatiya Bhashas include:
- Hindi
- Sanskrit
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Kannada
- Malayalam
- Marathi
- Bengali
- Punjabi
- Gujarati
- Odia
- Assamese
Students may choose a non-native language such as English, French, German, Arabic, or Spanish as the third language, provided the other two are Indian languages.
No Change for Current Class X Students
CBSE has clarified that students who are already in Class X during the 2026-27 academic session will continue with the existing two-language system.
They will not be required to study or appear for the third language (R3).
Transitional Relaxation for Current Class IX Students
To ensure a smooth transition, CBSE has provided a one-time relaxation for students currently studying in Class IX.
Students who are already studying:
- Two Indian languages can continue and choose either another Indian language or a foreign language as R3.
- One Indian language and one foreign language must select one additional Bharatiya Bhasha as R3.
- Two foreign languages may continue those languages but must add one Bharatiya Bhasha as the third language.
Assessment Pattern for R3
CBSE has clarified that:
- The third language (R3) will be assessed only by the school through internal assessment.
- There will be no CBSE Board examination for R3 for the current Class IX batch when they reach Class X.
- Students must, however, qualify the school-based assessment to receive the CBSE Secondary School Examination Pass Certificate.
If a student is unable to clear the R3 assessment in Class IX, they will still be promoted to Class X but will have another opportunity to qualify while studying in Class X.
Guidelines for Other Classes
- Classes VII and VIII (2026-27): Students will continue studying three languages with transitional relaxations where applicable.
- Class VI onwards: Two out of the three languages must be Bharatiya Bhashas. These students will eventually appear for a CBSE Board Examination in the third language (R3) when they reach Class X.
Exemptions Under the Policy
CBSE has also announced exemptions for certain categories, including:
- Children with Special Needs (CwSN), as per the RPwD Act, 2016.
- CBSE-affiliated schools located outside India.
- Foreign students returning to India.
Additionally, students whose parents migrate to another state may continue with their existing language combination, provided the school makes suitable academic arrangements.
Support for Schools
To help schools implement the policy effectively, CBSE has assured continuous support through:
- NCERT’s R3 Language Learning Resources
- Capacity-building programmes
- Flexible staffing arrangements
- Inter-school collaboration through Sahodaya clusters
- Virtual and hybrid teaching options where required
CBSE has emphasized that the focus of the policy is joyful learning, conceptual understanding, multilingual proficiency, and cultural rootedness, rather than increasing examination pressure on students.
Official pdf: Click Here!
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