Transitional Approach: CBSE makes three languages compulsory for Class 9 to10 from July 1

CBSE has made the study of three languages compulsory for Classes 9 and 10 from July 1, with at least two languages required to be native Indian languages.

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major revision in its language policy for secondary classes, making the study of three languages compulsory for students in Classes 9 and 10 from July 1, 2026.

According to a circular issued by the board on May 15, students will now be required to study three languages identified as R1, R2 and R3 during the academic session 2026-27. The board clarified that at least two of these languages must be native Indian languages.

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Students wishing to study a foreign language will be allowed to choose it either as the third language, provided the first two are Indian languages, or as an optional fourth language.

Policy Linked to NEP 2020

CBSE said the revised structure has been aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.

The board described the implementation as a “transitional approach” since the current academic session had already begun in April 2026. Schools have also been instructed to carefully follow updated curriculum goals, competencies and learning outcomes related to language education under the revised system.

Interim Textbook Arrangements Announced

CBSE stated that there is a significant overlap between middle-stage and secondary-stage language competencies, especially in areas such as reading comprehension, grammar and written expression.

Until dedicated R3 textbooks are introduced for secondary classes, students of Class 9 will temporarily use Class 6 R3 textbooks of the selected language for the 2026-27 session.

Schools have been advised to supplement these books with regional literary content, including poems, short stories and non-fiction material chosen locally.

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The board added that Class 6 R3 textbooks in 19 scheduled Indian languages would be made available before July 1. Detailed guidelines on supplementary teaching material are expected to be issued by June 15.

Teacher Shortage Concerns Addressed

CBSE also acknowledged concerns regarding the shortage of qualified language teachers in schools. As an interim measure, schools have been permitted to use teachers from other subjects who possess working proficiency in the concerned language.

The board has additionally allowed flexible solutions such as virtual teaching support, inter-school resource sharing through Sahodaya clusters and the engagement of retired language teachers to help schools during the transition period.