CBSE changes Class 9 and 10 rules: 2 Indian languages mandatory now

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out a revised language framework for students of Classes 9 and 10, set to take effect from the 2026-27 academic session.

The changes, announced through a circular dated May 15, are part of the board’s effort to bring school education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.

Under the updated system, students studying in secondary classes will now be required to learn three languages, identified as R1, R2, and R3, from July 1, 2026 onwards.

CBSE has specified that at least two of the selected languages must belong to native Indian languages.

The board stated that the revised policy was framed after examining the newly released NCERT syllabus for Classes 9 and 10 for the upcoming academic year.

Although schools have already begun the 2026 academic session, CBSE said the implementation would happen gradually to ensure a smooth transition.

Foreign languages allowed with conditions

CBSE clarified that students interested in opting for a foreign language can do so only if the remaining two languages chosen are Indian languages. The board also permitted students to study foreign languages as an optional fourth subject in addition to the mandatory three-language requirement.

Schools affiliated with CBSE have been instructed to closely study the revised curriculum expectations, including language-related competencies, learning outcomes, and classroom objectives introduced under the new framework.

The board pointed out that a large portion of language skills, including comprehension, grammar, writing ability, and spoken communication, remains common between middle school and secondary school levels.

Because of this overlap, CBSE believes the transition to the revised system can be managed effectively during the initial phase.

Interim textbooks and flexible teacher arrangements

As dedicated textbooks for the third language component are yet to be introduced, students of Classes 9 and 10 will temporarily use the Class 6 R3 textbooks for the 2026-27 session.

Schools have also been encouraged to enrich classroom learning with regional literary content such as poems, fiction pieces, and short stories sourced locally or from state boards.

CBSE said a separate set of guidelines explaining how supplementary learning material should be selected and taught will be issued before June 15, 2026.

Acknowledging possible teacher shortages in some schools, especially for regional Indian languages, the board has allowed temporary alternatives during the transition period.

Schools may collaborate through Sahodaya school clusters, use hybrid teaching models, appoint retired language educators, or recruit qualified postgraduate teachers to meet staffing needs.

The board further informed schools that Class 6 R3 textbooks covering 19 scheduled Indian languages will be supplied before July 1, 2026.