CBSE Makes Three Languages Mandatory For Classes 9 and 10 From 2026–27

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant overhaul in the language learning framework for secondary school students, introducing a revised three-language formula for Classes 9 and 10 starting from the academic session 2026–27. According to the report, the board said the new system has been designed in line with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. Three-Language Learning to Become Mandatory Under the updated structure, students entering Class 9 from July 1, 2026, will be required to study three languages. These will be referred to as R1, R2, and R3. CBSE has made it clear that at least two of these languages must be Indian languages. The board has also emphasised that while students may opt for a foreign language, it cannot replace the requirement of two Indian languages. Instead, foreign languages will be permitted either as one of the three choices only if the condition is met, or as an optional fourth language beyond the core requirement. Alignment with New Curriculum Framework CBSE said the decision follows a detailed review of the newly updated curriculum for Classes 9 and 10 prepared by NCERT for the upcoming academic cycle. Although the current academic year began in April 2026, the board has clarified that schools will be given a phased and flexible transition to adapt to the new structure without disruption to ongoing teaching schedules. Officials noted that the revised approach is aimed at strengthening linguistic skills and ensuring better continuity between middle and secondary school education. Use of Older Textbooks During Transition For the first year of implementation, schools will not receive newly designed R3 textbooks for Class 9 students. Instead, they will be required to use Class 6 textbooks of the chosen third language for the 2026–27 session. To make up for the gap in learning material, CBSE has advised schools to include additional reading resources. These may include regional literature such as short stories, poems, and other creative writings in the respective languages to enrich classroom learning. The board is expected to release detailed instructions on how schools can select and use such supplementary materials by June 15, 2026. Support for Schools and Teachers CBSE has also acknowledged that several schools may face challenges in finding trained teachers for certain Indian languages during the transition period. To address this, the board has allowed institutions to adopt flexible arrangements. These include collaboration between schools under Sahodaya clusters, online or hybrid teaching methods, and the appointment of retired language teachers or qualified postgraduate educators where required. This temporary arrangement is intended to ensure that students continue to receive quality instruction even as schools adjust to the new framework. Learning Resources to Be Expanded The board further stated that textbooks for the third language (R3) in 19 scheduled Indian languages will be distributed to schools before the new academic session begins on July 1, 2026. Officials highlighted that there is already a strong overlap of nearly 75 to 80 per cent between language learning skills across middle and secondary levels, particularly in areas such as reading, speaking, grammar, and writing. The new system, they said, is intended to build on this continuity. Until dedicated R3 textbooks are introduced, Class 9 students will use Class 6 R3 textbooks of the chosen language for the 2026-27 academic session. Schools have also been asked to supplement these textbooks with local or state literary material, including poems, short stories, and fiction works. CBSE said detailed guidelines regarding the selection and pedagogical use of supplementary material will be issued by June 15, 2026. Schools Allowed Interim Measures for Language Teachers The board acknowledged that some schools may face difficulties in arranging qualified teachers for native Indian languages during the transition period. CBSE has allowed schools to use flexible arrangements such as inter-school resource sharing through Sahodaya clusters, hybrid teaching support, engagement of retired language teachers, and hiring suitably qualified postgraduates. The board also informed that Class 6 R3 textbooks in 19 scheduled languages will be made available to schools before July 1, 2026. Also Read: Assam: BJP Leader’s House Attacked in Chirang, Property Vandalised