CBSE issues guidelines for implementation of three-language policy from 2026-27; current Class X students exempt
New Delhi, June 29
The Central Board of Secondary Education on Monday issued detailed guidelines for the implementation of the three-language policy in affiliated schools from the 2026-27 academic session, clarifying that the current batch of Class X students will not be covered under the revised language framework.
According to a CBSE press release, the guidelines have been framed to facilitate the implementation of the multilingual education recommendations under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and to ensure a smooth transition for students and schools.
The Board clarified that the students currently studying in Class X will not be required to follow the new language policy. "The current batch of class X will not have to follow the new language policy," the CBSE said in the release.
The Board further clarified that students currently enrolled in Classes VII, VIII and IX who have already opted for two foreign languages will be permitted to continue with the same combination. However, they will be required to study one additional native Indian language (Bhartiya Bhasha).
"For the current batches of class VII, VIII, IX who had already taken 2 foreign languages would continue with the same, with one additional native Indian Language (Bhartiya Bhasha)," the release stated.
To facilitate effective implementation of the policy, the Board said that grade-appropriate learning resources would be made available within a stipulated timeframe.
"The grade-appropriate resource material would be made available in a time-bound manner," the CBSE said.
Emphasising the broader objective of multilingual education, CBSE said language learning should contribute to the overall development of students.
"Language learning will be meaningful, engaging and enriching to contribute to holistic development," the release added.
CBSE said that the National Education Policy 2020 recommends that students learn three languages during their school education, with at least two of them being native Indian languages. The policy aims to promote multilingualism, strengthen proficiency in Bharatiya Bhashas and foster inclusive, learner-centric language education.
The Board further said that the introduction of a third language at the middle stage, covering Classes VI to VIII, and its continuation at the secondary stage, comprising Classes IX and X, is intended to strengthen the objectives of the National Education Policy while ensuring greater linguistic diversity and holistic learning among students.
The guidelines, CBSE said, have been issued to ensure uniform and smooth implementation of the three-language policy across all affiliated schools beginning with the 2026-27 academic session.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good step from CBSE. Learning multiple languages boosts cognitive skills and opens up career options across states. However, I worry about the burden on students in classes VII-IX who now have to squeeze in an extra Indian language. The board must provide quality resources, not just textbooks. Time-bound availability should start now, not in 2026.
Three languages is fine, but what about schools offering just Hindi and Sanskrit? That defeats the purpose. The NEP says exposure to diverse Indian languages - so everyone should learn at least one Dravidian, one Indo-Aryan language. Make it compulsory to offer Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati - not just Hindi everywhere. True national integration requires mutual respect and understanding across regions.
As an expat living in India, this is interesting. My son studies in a CBSE school and already learns Hindi, English and French. Now he'll need a fourth language? That seems excessive. But if it helps him connect with local culture, maybe it's worth it. Hope the transition is handled gently for non-Indian students.
I'm a Class X student and relieved we're exempt! But for juniors, this means extra language exams in Class X board? Or it's just study without board exam? CBSE hasn't clarified assessment details. Also, will teachers be trained for these languages? My school struggles to find one good Hindi teacher, forget Tamil or Telugu. Need concrete plans, not just circulars.
A very progressive move! I grew up in Maharashtra but studied in English
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