CBSE’s new three-language rule for Class 9 explained | What it is and why it’s sparking debate
New Delhi: In a major curriculum reform aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE has introduced new multilingual learning rules for secondary school students. From July 1, 2026, students entering Class 9 in CBSE-affiliated schools will have to study three languages, including two Indian languages, as part of the board’s revised academic structure aimed at promoting multilingual competencies and regional language learning.
What are the new CBSE language rules?
According to a circular issued by CBSE, the three compulsory languages will now be categorised as: R1, R2 and R3.
Under the revised policy:
- Students must study three languages in total
- At least two languages must be native Indian languages
- Foreign languages can only be chosen as:
- the third language after two Indian languages, or
- an additional fourth language
The changes will apply to students entering Class 9 from the 2026-27 academic session onward.
Why CBSE introduced the new policy
CBSE said the revised language structure is intended to align school education with:
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
- National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023
- The board said the move is aimed at strengthening multilingual skills while encouraging the learning of Indian languages, literature and regional culture.
- No Class 10 board exam for third language
CBSE clarified that there will be:
- No separate Class 10 board examination for the R3 language
- Only school-based internal assessments for the third language
- However, students’ performance in the subject will still appear in official CBSE certificates.
- The board also said no student will be barred from appearing for Class 10 board exams because of the R3 requirement.
Textbooks and learning material
CBSE stated that dedicated R3 textbooks for Class 9 are currently under preparation.
Until those books are released:
- Students will temporarily use Class 6 R3 textbooks during 2026-27
- Schools must supplement lessons with local literary material such as:
- poems
- essays
- short stories
- regional non-fiction works
Detailed guidelines on supplementary content will reportedly be released by June 15.
Schools asked to update language offerings
CBSE has instructed affiliated schools to update their available R3 language options for Classes 6 to 9 on the OASIS portal before June 30.
The board said textbooks in 19 scheduled Indian languages will be available before July 1.
For languages not covered directly, schools may use resources prepared by:
- State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs)
- State education departments
- Other recognised educational bodies
- Teacher shortage and temporary arrangements
Addressing concerns over language teacher availability, CBSE said schools may adopt temporary solutions such as:
- using teachers with functional proficiency
- hiring retired educators
- appointing qualified postgraduates
- sharing teachers through Sahodaya school clusters
- using hybrid or virtual teaching methods
Relaxations and exemptions
CBSE said special relaxations will be provided for Children With Special Needs (CwSN) under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Foreign students returning to India may also receive exemptions from the requirement of studying two Indian languages on a case-by-case basis.
Other major CBSE reforms announced earlier
The language policy is part of broader curriculum reforms announced earlier by CBSE.
Phased implementation of the three-language formula from Class 6 onward
a two-level system for Mathematics and Science in Class 9 from 2026-27
Under the new structure: students will take a common 80-mark exam and advanced-level papers will be optional for students seeking deeper conceptual learning. The first Class 10 board examinations under the revised Mathematics and Science system are expected in 2028.