CBSE Issues Three-Language Policy Guidelines; Board Clarifies Impact on Current Class 10 Students
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Monday released comprehensive guidelines outlining the implementation of its new three-language policy. In a major relief for current students, the board explicitly clarified that the updated framework will not apply to individuals presently studying in Class X.
Furthermore, CBSE confirmed that students currently enrolled in Classes VII, VIII, and IX will not face a board examination in a third language when they eventually transition to Class X. For students who have already selected two foreign languages, the board will permit them to continue their current curriculum, provided they incorporate one additional native Indian language (Bhartiya Bhasha) into their studies.
To support the transition, CBSE stated that grade-appropriate learning resources designed for the revised language structure will be provided in a time-bound manner. The board emphasized that the updated policy is designed to render language learning meaningful, engaging, and enriching, thereby fostering the holistic development of students.
This clarification follows an announcement made by CBSE nearly a month ago, which mandated the study of three languages—including a minimum of two native Indian languagesfor Class IX students starting July 1.
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“The requirement of studying at least two Indian languages under the new language policy will be implemented prospectively from Class 6 and will not be applied retrospectively to students already studying in Classes 7 to 9,” a senior board official told the news agency.
In its earlier May update, the board noted that until dedicated R3 textbooks are published, Class IX students will utilize the 2026-27 edition of Class VI R3 textbooks for their selected language. According to the official circular issued on May 15, CBSE students wishing to study a foreign language may only do so as a third languageafter selecting two native Indian languagesor as an additional fourth subject.