The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that students currently studying in Classes VII to IX who opted for two foreign languages under the three-language policy will be allowed to continue with the same language combination until Class X. This decision provides relief to lakhs of students and parents who had expressed concerns after the board made the study of at least two Indian languages compulsory for Class IX students starting July 1.
Prospective Implementation from Class VI
A senior board official confirmed that the requirement of studying at least two Indian languages will be implemented prospectively from Class VI and will not be applied retrospectively to existing students in higher grades. “An official notification clarifying the same will be issued soon,” the official added. This means that students already enrolled in Classes VII, VIII, and IX can continue with their current language choices without disruption.
Background of the Policy Change
In May, CBSE announced that until dedicated R3 textbooks are available, Class IX students shall use the Class VI R3 textbooks (2026-27 edition) of the chosen language. This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. According to the May 15 circular, students opting for a foreign language may do so only as the third language after studying two native Indian languages or as an additional fourth language.
Two-Level System for Mathematics and Science
In April, CBSE had announced a phased implementation of the three-language formula from Class VI and the introduction of a two-level system for mathematics and science for Class IX from the 2026-27 academic session. Under this structure, mathematics and science will have two levels: mandatory standard and optional advanced courses. All students will appear for a common 80-mark examination, while those opting for higher proficiency can take an additional advanced-level paper aimed at testing deeper conceptual understanding and higher-order thinking skills.
First Board Exams Under New System in 2028
The CBSE had stated that the first Class X board examinations under the new two-level system (standard and advanced) would be conducted in 2028 for the 2026-27 Class IX cohort. This transition aims to provide students with more flexibility and depth in their learning, in line with the objectives of NEP 2020.
