CBSE makes three languages mandatory in Class 9-10, no board exam for the third

The assessments for the third language (R3) would be school-based and internal.

Updated on: May 16, 2026, 19:46:25 IST

Edited by Arya Mishra

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has formally introduced the three-language policy, making the study of three languages compulsory for students from Class 9 onwards, beginning July 1.

The CBSE circular issued on May 5 said that at least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages. (Representational)

However, the Board clarified that there would be no board exam for the third language (R3) opted by the students in Class X, news agency ANI reported. The assessments for this language would be school-based and internal. The board said this was to keep the focus on learning and reduce any undue pressure on students.

The CBSE further said that schools may offer any language from the CBSE list of subjects, provided that at least two of these three chosen languages are "native Indian languages".

What the CBSE circular says

The CBSE circular issued on May 5 said that at least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages, in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.

Regarding the assessments for the third language, the circular stated, “All assessments for R3 shall be entirely school-based and internal. The performance of students in R3 will be duly reflected in the CBSE certificate.” It said that no student would be barred from appearing for the Class 10 Board examinations because of R3.

English – Foreign or native language?

The CBSE has said that foreign languages can only be studied as the third language if the other two are Indian languages, or as an optional fourth language.

Explaining the implementation of the three-language formula, Sudha Acharya, principal of a Delhi-based school, said there are 44 languages in the CBSE’s list of language subjects including English and Hindi.

“If a school is offering, say, Urdu at R1 level and Hindi, Tamil or any other native language at R2 level, students can opt for foreign languages like French or German as the third language, since two languages are already native to India,” Acharya said.

What about English?

“If English is taken at R1 or R2, a foreign language cannot be chosen as R3. English is not a foreign language but is also not native to India. Schools can offer foreign languages as a fourth language through reading clubs,” she added.

Regarding the transition, CBSE said Class 9 students would temporarily use Class 6 R3 textbooks for the chosen language, until secondary stage textbooks are made available.

The board also asked schools to update their R3 language offerings for Classes 6 to 9 on the OASIS portal by June 30.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Arya Mishra
Arya Mishra is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, and a key member of the digital news team focusing on urgent breaking developments across India and the world. With a sharp editorial instinct and strong reporting skills, Arya covers high-impact crime incidents, public safety and justice issues, political developments, education policy and international affairs, consistently delivering clear, accurate and timely journalism. Her recent reporting highlights include detailed coverage of serious criminal cases, politics as well as analyses of national education reforms and international diplomatic moves. On the world news front, she has written about global trade policy changes and security developments, including tariff shifts by the United States and strategic counter-terrorism strategies being rolled out by Ministry of Home Affairs. Arya thrives in fast-paced environments – running live blogs, crafting in-depth explainers and real-time news coverage that keeps readers informed as stories evolve. Before joining Hindustan Times, she was a part of The Indian Express online team. Outside the newsroom, she is an avid reader, with a love for thriller and suspense fiction, and enjoys music as a way to unwind. With more than three years of experience in dynamic newsrooms, Arya brings curiosity, clarity and commitment to every story she covers.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.