CBSE eases NEP three-language policy for current Class 10 and Board exams

The clarification follows the May 15 circular that made three languages compulsory in Class 9 from July 1.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that the proposed third-language Board examination under the National Education Policy 2020 will not apply to students currently studying in Classes 7 to 10. The Board exam requirement will be introduced only for students entering Class 6 under the new NEP framework. The clarification aims to address confusion among students, parents, and schools regarding the implementation timeline of the three-language formula. The announcement provides relief to current secondary school students while outlining the phased rollout of the revised education policy. n18oc_the-breakfast-club n18oc_india News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

Mumbai: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued detailed guidelines for implementing the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 from the 2026-27 academic session, while introducing several transitional relaxations to ensure that students currently studying in higher classes are not affected midway through their schooling. Relaxation for Class X StudentsUnder the revised framework, students currently in Class X (2026-27) will continue with the existing two-language system and will not be required to study a third language. Similarly, students who are presently in Classes VII, VIII and IX will not have to appear for a Class X Board examination in the third language when they reach the secondary level. The Board said the policy is intended to promote multilingual learning while ensuring that no student faces academic disruption during the transition. In line with NEP 2020, students in Class IX from the 2026-27 session will study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages. However, the third language will be assessed internally by schools and will not form part of the Class X Board examination for the current batch. Internal Assessment for Third LanguageCBSE has also provided a one-time relaxation for students in Classes VII, VIII and IX who are already studying two foreign languages. They will be permitted to continue with their existing language combination by adding one Indian language, instead of changing their current subjects. For students entering Class VI in the 2026-27 academic year and subsequent batches, the three-language policy will be implemented in full. These students will eventually appear for a Board examination in the third language when they reach Class X. Dedicated textbooks in 22 scheduled Indian languages are being made available through NCERT to support the rollout. Maharashtra Govt Warns Schools Of Recognition Cancellation For Failing To Implement Compulsory Marathi EducationFull Implementation for Class VI OnwardsThe Board has exempted certain categories from the policy, including Children with Special Needs (CwSN), CBSE-affiliated schools located outside India and foreign students returning to India. It has also allowed students whose parents migrate to another state to continue with their existing language combination to avoid academic disruption. To facilitate implementation, schools have been permitted to adopt flexible staffing arrangements, including engaging teachers with functional language proficiency, retired educators, postgraduate language experts and inter-school resource sharing through Sahodaya clusters or virtual teaching. CBSE said it would work with NCERT to provide grade-appropriate learning resources and capacity-building support for schools. Reiterating its commitment to student welfare, the Board said the objective of the revised language policy is to encourage meaningful multilingual learning without increasing examination pressure. It emphasised that the transition to the new system would be gradual and that no student would be placed at a disadvantage because of the policy change. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Students in Class 10 during 2026-27 will continue with the existing two-language system and Class 9 students must study three languages in 2026-27 with at least two being ‘Bhartiya Bhashas’

The new rules make it mandatory for Class 9 students to learn three languages, of which two must be Indian ones.

The CBSE revised its three-language policy, exempting current Class 10 students from studying three languages. Class 9 students can opt for two foreign languages and one Indian language. This decision follows legal challenges against the previous mandate requiring three languages for all students.