CBSE issues three-language policy guidelines for 2026–27. Check new rules, exemptions, language choices and board exam updates for Classes 6 to 10.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued detailed guidelines for implementing the three-language policy in all CBSE-affiliated schools from the 2026–27 academic session.
The Board has clarified that the current Class X students will continue under the existing two-language system. It has also announced transitional relaxations for students currently studying in Classes VII, VIII, and IX to ensure a smooth implementation of the new policy.
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CBSE Releases Three-Language Policy Guidelines for the 2026–27 Academic Session
The new guidelines support the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends that students learn three languages, with at least two of them being Bhartiya Bhashas (native Indian languages).
CBSE said the policy aims to make language learning meaningful, engaging, and enriching while supporting the holistic development of every learner. The Board has also promised to provide learning resources and implementation support to schools.
Current Class X Students Will Not Follow the New Policy
CBSE has confirmed that students studying in Class X during the 2026–27 academic session will continue with the existing two-language system. This batch will not study a third language under the new policy.
What Will Change for Class IX Students?
Every student studying in Class IX during the 2026–27 academic session will study three languages. Out of these three languages, at least two must be Bhartiya Bhashas. Students may choose a non-native language as the third language (R3) only if the other two languages are Bhartiya Bhashas.
CBSE Explains Language Choices for Class IX Students
- CBSE has provided examples to help students understand the new language combinations.
- Students who already study two Bhartiya Bhashas, such as Hindi and Tamil, may choose either another Bhartiya Bhasha or a non-native language like English or French as their third language.
- Students who study one Bhartiya Bhasha and one non-native language, such as Tamil and English, must choose another Bhartiya Bhasha as the third language.
- Students who already study two non-native languages, such as English and French, will receive a special one-time relaxation. They may continue with those two languages and add one Bhartiya Bhasha as the third language.
No Board Examination for the Current Class IX Batch
CBSE has clarified that schools will assess the third language through internal school-based assessment only. Students in the current Class IX batch will not appear for a CBSE Board examination in the third language when they move to Class X in the 2027–28 academic session. CBSE and NCERT will also provide grade-appropriate learning resources to support language learning.
What Will Happen to Current Class VII and VIII Students?
Students studying in Classes VII and VIII during the 2026–27 academic session will continue studying three languages when they reach Classes IX and X. Two of these languages must be Bhartiya Bhashas.
Students who have already selected and started studying two non-native languages will receive a transition relaxation. They may continue with those languages after adding one Bhartiya Bhasha.
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Schools will assess the third language through internal school-based assessment only, and these students will not appear for a CBSE Board examination in the third language when they reach Class X.
What Will Change for Class VI Students?
Students studying in Class VI during the 2026–27 academic session and all future Class VI batches will study three languages, including two Bhartiya Bhashas.
- When these students reach Class X, they will take the CBSE Board examination in the third language (R3).
- NCERT is making dedicated Class VI R3 textbooks available in 22 scheduled Bhartiya Bhashas to support implementation.
Students Eligible for Exemptions
CBSE has announced exemptions for the following categories:
- Children with Special Needs (CwSN) will receive relaxations and exemptions under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
- CBSE schools located outside India will receive full exemption from the compulsory Bhartiya Bhasha as the third language.
- Foreign students returning to India will also receive exemption from studying a Bhartiya Bhasha as the third language.
Special Provision for Students Who Move to Another State
If parents or guardians move to another state, students may continue with the same third-language (R3) combination that they studied during the Middle Stage when they enter Class IX. Schools must provide the necessary resources to support these students.
CBSE Allows Flexible Teacher Arrangements
CBSE has introduced flexible staffing provisions to help schools implement the new policy. Schools may use existing teachers with functional proficiency, retired teachers, postgraduates, Sahodaya school clusters for inter-school sharing, and virtual or hybrid teaching methods wherever required.
CBSE Says No Student Will Face Any Disadvantage
CBSE has said the guidelines align with NEP 2020 while protecting students’ interests. The Board has assured schools, teachers, students, and parents that no student will face any disadvantage because of the new policy.
CBSE Guidelines on the three-language policy
It said the focus will remain on joyful and meaningful language learning rather than examinations. CBSE will continue to support schools through additional learning resources and capacity-building programmes to ensure smooth implementation.
