The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a revised language policy for Classes 9 and 10, making the study of three languages compulsory from the 2026-27 academic session.
In a circular issued on May 15, the board said the updated structure has been aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, per a report by NDTV.
Two Indian languages mandatory
Under the revised scheme, students in Classes 9 and 10 will study three languages: R1, R2 and R3 from July 1, 2026.
The board clarified that at least two of the selected languages must be native Indian languages. Students who wish to study a foreign language may do so only if the other two chosen languages are Indian languages. Foreign languages may also be offered as an optional fourth language.
Also Read | NEET UG 2026 re-exam: Here’s what candidates must do before May 21
CBSE said the changes were introduced after reviewing the newly released NCERT syllabus for the 2026-27 session. Since the current academic year already began in April, the board said schools would follow a transitional approach during implementation.
Schools asked to review curriculum goals
The board has directed affiliated schools to carefully study the revised curriculum goals, learning outcomes and competencies related to language education.
According to the circular, there is around 75 to 80 per cent overlap in language skills such as reading comprehension, grammar, oral communication and writing between middle-stage and secondary-stage education.
Until dedicated R3 textbooks are introduced, students of Classes 9 and 10 will use Class 6 R3 textbooks during the 2026-27 academic year.
Schools have also been advised to supplement the textbooks with regional literary material, including poems, fiction and short stories. CBSE said more detailed guidelines regarding supplementary teaching material would be issued by June 15, 2026.
Flexible arrangements allowed for teachers
Acknowledging that some schools may face difficulty in finding qualified language teachers during the transition phase, CBSE has allowed temporary flexible measures.
Also Read | CBSE announces re-evaluation process after Class 12 result controversy grows online
Schools can use inter-school resource sharing through Sahodaya clusters, hybrid teaching methods, retired language teachers and qualified postgraduate educators to manage teaching requirements.
The board also stated that Class 6 R3 textbooks in 19 scheduled languages will be made available to schools before July 1, 2026.
