CBSE Issues Urgent Directive (Image: Internet)
New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education has instructed all affiliated schools to implement the third language (R3) model in Class 6 within seven days. The directive, issued through Circular No. Acad-17/2026 dated April 9, 2026, forms part of the revised Scheme of Studies for the 2026-27 academic session.
The board has made it clear that the rollout is mandatory and must be adopted without delay by all schools that have not yet introduced the third language component.
The move aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, which promotes multilingual learning through the R1, R2, R3 language model. The framework aims to strengthen students’ linguistic abilities while also fostering cultural awareness and national integration.
Under this model, students are encouraged to learn multiple languages, including regional and Indian languages listed in the Constitution.
While textbooks for the third language are expected to be made available soon, schools have been directed to begin teaching immediately using locally available resources. The instruction emphasises that teaching should follow competency guidelines outlined in the NCFSE-2023, which have been shared as part of the circular.
This ensures that the rollout is not delayed due to logistical challenges such as the availability of study material.
The CBSE has also asked schools to finalise their chosen third language and inform their respective regional offices. Additionally, institutions must update the selected language on the board’s OASIS portal.
The board clarified that only languages introduced at the Class 6 level will be offered as options to students in Classes 9 and 10 within the same school, making early implementation crucial.
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Regional office officials have been tasked with monitoring the implementation process. They are expected to reach out to schools to collect data on language offerings and ensure compliance with the directive.
The board has urged institutions to take all necessary steps to ensure timely execution of the policy.
The directive marks a significant step in strengthening multilingual education in schools affiliated with CBSE. It reflects a broader effort to align classroom learning with national education goals outlined in recent policy frameworks.
