The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released detailed guidelines on the implementation of the three-language policy, clarifying that the current Class 10 batch will not be affected by the new language requirements. The policy, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, will come into effect from the academic session 2026-27.
Key Highlights of the Guidelines
According to the official CBSE notification, the three-language policy mandates that students study three languages until Class 10. However, the board has specified that the current batch of Class 10 students, who are set to appear for board exams in 2026, will continue under the existing two-language system. The new policy applies to students entering Class 9 in 2026-27.
CBSE stated, "The three-language policy will be implemented from the academic year 2026-27 for Class 9, and the first board exam under this policy will be held in 2028." This ensures a smooth transition without disrupting ongoing studies.
Details of the Three-Language Policy
Under the new guidelines, students must study three languages: two of them must be Indian languages, and at least one should be a classical or modern Indian language. The third language can be a foreign language. Schools are required to offer a minimum of three languages, and students can choose from a list provided by CBSE.
The board emphasized that the policy aims to promote multilingualism and national unity. "The three-language formula will help students appreciate the diversity of Indian languages and cultures," the notification read.
Implementation Timeline
The phased implementation begins in 2026-27 for Class 9, with the first set of board exams under the new policy scheduled for 2028. Schools have been advised to prepare their curriculum and teacher training accordingly. CBSE has also released a list of approved languages, including Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, Oriya, Punjabi, Sindhi, and others.
Impact on Students and Schools
While the current Class 10 batch is exempt, future batches will need to adapt to the three-language requirement. Schools must ensure they have adequate resources to teach additional languages. The policy is expected to enhance linguistic skills and employability among students. According to educational experts, this move aligns with global trends where multilingual education is encouraged.
CBSE has also stated that students with disabilities may be given exemptions or accommodations as per existing rules. The board will provide further guidance on assessment and grading for the three languages.
