CBSE Introduces Three-Language Policy as in NEP - 2020 Excerpts:

The CBSE introduced its three-language policy for Class 10 students in the 2027-28 academic year, exempting the rule for the current Class X students in 2026-27. In the latest move, the CBSE board has confirmed its stand on making the R3 rule compulsory for Class X students in the 2027-28 academic year. The entire content is a brief description of the CBSE updates in reference to the NEP 2020 language policy for CBSE students. 

Genesis of the policy framework: CBSE curriculum 2026-27

The policy framework on third-language study will apply to Classes VII, VIII, and IX moving to Class X in the future. But the board inserted a clause: students who have opted for two foreign languages will be allowed to continue with the same, provided they take an additional native language in Classes VII, VIII, IX & X.

NEP 2020 language policy for CBSE students

• The policy framework revises the existing learning system to a grade-appropriate learning system with time-bound inclusiveness. 

• The board has made a policy that makes language learning more meaningful, engaging, and enriching. 

• With an absolute motive of contributing to the students' holistic development. 

New Guidelines by the Central Board of Secondary Education include third language assessments. 

• In the third language assessment, the CBSE has introduced a school-based internal assessment for the third language subject. 

• The internal assessment is mandatory and will be conducted only when the CBSE Secondary School Examination pass certificate is issued. 

• The National Education Policy 2020 recommends learning three languages - R1, R2, & R3. 

• The two languages (R1 & R2) should be native, while the third can be a foreign language (R3). The CBSE aims to provide an enriched experience for all students. 

Scheme in Detail:

The following changes regarding language learning are applicable for all Classes 6 to 10 as per the scheme scheduled :  

1. At least two (R1 & R2) out of the three languages should belong to the Bhartiya Bhasha. 

1. Examples of Bhartiya Bhashas: Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu,

2. Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Odia, Assamese, etc.

3. The third language (R3) can be a non-native language, any other than Bhartiya Bhashas. 

1. Examples of non-native languages: English, French, German, Arabic, Spanish, etc.

Relaxations and Exemptions: From Class 6 to 10 
Students in Class X (2026–27)

Students who are in Class 10 shall continue with the same scheme (old), two languages and no third language to this batch during 2026-27. 

Students in Class IX (2026–27)

As the R3 language system applies to Class IX of the 2026-27 academic year, students may be facing any of the three situations. 

Situation 1:

A student has chosen two Bhartiya Bhashas, say Hindi and Tamil. The student can choose another third language, another Bhartiya Bhasha or a non-native language, such as English or French. 

Situation 2: 

A student has chosen one Bhartiya Bhasha and one non-native language, such as Tamil and English. Then the student can choose any Bhartiya Bhasha as the third language (R3). 

Situation 3: 

A student has chosen two non-native languages, say, English and French and then, as a special one-time relaxation, they can continue with these two non-native languages. The student will have to add one Bhartiya Bhasha as their third language (R3). 

Students in Class VII or VIII (2026-27)

• Relaxation for Class VII or VIII: 

• The current batches of Class VII and VIII will continue to study the 2 non-native languages but shall need to study one Bhartiya Bhasha, and the same shall continue till Class X. 

• The third language (R3) shall be assessed by the school in internal school assessment only. 

• The internal school assessment shall be extended when these classes VII to VIII progress to Class X. 

Students in Class VI (2026-27):

• A student must choose two Bhartiya Bhashas and one non-native language, and this procedure shall be followed through Class X. 

• The current batch and those following shall take the board examination of R3. 

• The R3 textbooks for Class VI are mentioned in the 22 Scheduled Bhartiya Bhashas, and they can be obtained from www. ncert.nic.in. 

CBSE Class IX new rules

• Students who do not qualify for the internal assessment in Class 9 will be promoted to Class 10 in 2027-28, though they don't qualify in the assessment test. But in Class 10, they must qualify in the assessment test, which they were disqualified from in Class 09. 

• The student must qualify in R3 of Class 10; it is made mandatory for the award of the school examination pass certificate. 

General Exemptions on CBSE Language Policy

The CBSE language policy has exempted a few categories by making R3 compulsory, and language rights have been granted to physically challenged students as declared in the RPwD Act, 2016. 

• A full exemption is extended to the native indian language to those studying in CBSE schools outside India. The third language R3 is exempted as per the CBSE Language Policy.  

• Students belonging to Indian domicile and returning to India are also exempted from studying.

• Parents or guardians shifting to another state can continue the existing combination of languages; they opt for R3 in the middle stage of Class IX. Schools should provide adequate resources to support students' choice.  

Conclusion: 

National Education Policy 2020 plans to build nationalistic development across the nation by regulating the mandate of two Bharatiya Bhashas and one non-native language. The CBSE has initiated the process by introducing the changes as per the schedule from the 2026-27 academic year. CBSE schools will experience a steady transition from two languages to three languages. The entire transition in the language learning system is scheduled in a well-planned manner, without letting students experience exhaustion or strain. Resonance schools in  Hyderabad welcome the move as there are several benefits for students when they learn multiple languages. 

Important Note:

Students who want to know in detail about the changes that will come into effect from Class 6 to 9 can obtain this information in detail from the CBSE Circulars available on its official website.

Resonance's CBSE schools in Hyderabad & Kurnool:

Realising the intense need for CBSE schools in Hyderabad & Andhra Pradesh, Resonance Hyderabad has initiated several CBSE schools to meet the rising demand from parents and students in various locations spread across Hyderabad, including Bowenpally, Chintal, Beeramguda, and Kurnool. Parents and students are advised to visit the webpage links designed to present the ongoing activity in a well-described format.