New Delhi, June 29: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced new guidelines regarding its Three Language Policy. As per the latest directive, students currently in Class 10 will not be required to take the examination for a third language this year.
Students in Classes 7, 8, and 9 who have already chosen two foreign languages will be allowed to continue with those languages. However, they must also study an Indian language. Upon reaching Class 10, these students will not have to take the board examination for the third language, which will instead be assessed at the school level. This decision is expected to benefit around 5 million students.
Key Highlights of the New Guidelines:
- Current Class 10: No changes have been made for the academic session 2026-27. Students will continue to take board exams with only two languages, and the third language will not be required.
- Current Class 9: Students will need to study three languages, including at least two Indian languages. However, when they move to Class 10, they will not have to take the board exam for the third language, which will be evaluated by the school.
- Current Class 7 and 8: Similar provisions apply; students will study a third language, but there will be no board exam for it in Class 10.
- Current Class 6: This will be the first batch fully implementing the Three Language Policy, requiring students to study three languages from Class 6, including a board exam for the third language in Class 10.
Exemptions:
- Students with disabilities will be exempt from the requirement of a third language as per the law.
- Students in CBSE schools abroad and those returning to India will not be obligated to study an Indian language as their third language.
- If a student’s parents are transferred to another state, the student can continue with their previously chosen languages.
The CBSE had initially issued a circular on May 15 to implement the Three Language Policy for the academic session 2026-27, which faced opposition from students, parents, and teachers. A group of 19 individuals has challenged this decision in the Supreme Court, arguing that it contradicts CBSE’s earlier stance that the third language rule would not apply to Class 9 students until the 2029-30 session.
The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, approved by the Indian government on July 29, 2020, aims to revamp the education system in India after 34 years, focusing on practical knowledge and skill development for students. The implementation of this policy is targeted by 2030, but it remains to be seen how state governments will adopt it fully.