The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant change in the language curriculum for Class 9 students, effective from the academic year 2025-26. Under the new three-language formula, students will be required to study three languages, with at least two of them being Indian languages. This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes multilingualism and the promotion of Indian languages.
What is the Three Language Formula?
The three-language formula mandates that students in Class 9 must study three languages. Among these, at least two must be Indian languages. The third language can be a foreign language, but the focus remains on strengthening proficiency in Indian languages. This policy replaces the earlier system where students could choose between two languages or opt for a foreign language as a third language.
Key Changes in the Curriculum
- Mandatory Three Languages: All students must now study three languages, with a minimum of two Indian languages.
- Flexibility in Choice: Students can choose from a list of Indian languages provided by CBSE, including Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, and others.
- Foreign Language Option: While the third language can be a foreign language, it must be chosen from the approved list, which includes French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and others.
- No Compulsion on Hindi: The policy does not mandate Hindi as one of the languages. Students can choose any two Indian languages, even if they are not Hindi.
Implications for Students and Schools
The new formula aims to promote linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. However, it also poses challenges for schools, particularly those that do not have teachers for multiple Indian languages. Schools may need to hire additional language teachers or collaborate with other institutions to offer a wider range of languages.
For students, this change means a heavier academic load, as they will now have to manage three language subjects alongside other core subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. However, the CBSE has assured that the curriculum for each language will be designed to be engaging and not overly burdensome.
Background and Rationale
The three-language formula is not new; it was first proposed in the 1968 National Policy on Education and later reiterated in NEP 2020. The goal is to ensure that students gain proficiency in multiple languages, which is considered beneficial for cognitive development and career opportunities. The CBSE's decision to implement it from Class 9 onwards is a step towards making the policy a reality.
CBSE has also clarified that students who are currently in Class 8 will continue with their existing language scheme and will not be affected by this change. The new rule applies only to students entering Class 9 from the 2025-26 session.
Conclusion
CBSE's three-language formula for Class 9 marks a significant shift in language education. While it promotes multilingualism and Indian languages, it also requires careful planning by schools and adaptation by students. The board is expected to release detailed guidelines and a list of approved languages soon. Parents and students are advised to stay updated with official CBSE announcements to make informed choices.
