CBSE has clarified how the revised three-language policy will affect third language (R3) requirements for students moving from Class 9 to Class 10 in the 2026–27 academic session. According to the Board’s implementation guidelines issued in July, CBSE is not including the third language as a Board examination subject for the current batch that will appear in Class 10. Instead, students who enter Class 9 in 2026–27 must clear a school-based third language assessment to be eligible for the CBSE Secondary School Examination pass certificate.
The policy continues to require students to study three languages, including at least two Indian languages (Bhartiya Bhashas), as part of the NEP 2020 framework. Sources also report that students already in Class 10 during 2026–27 remain under the existing two-language scheme without changes. CBSE says schools must provide an opportunity for reassessment for students who do not clear the R3 assessment before results are declared. It also outlines that students may be promoted to Class 10 while being required to clear pending R3 assessment during the following academic year.
The clarifications come amid wider discussions and challenges around the rollout of the three-language policy.