The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that the new three-language policy will not be applicable to the current Class 10 students appearing for the board examinations this year. Students will not have to worry about adding any additional subject as part of the revised language framework.
In a notification issued on Monday, CBSE stated that the three-language policy is being introduced in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The board had earlier announced that the policy would be implemented for Classes 9 and 10 from the academic session 2026-27. However, the revised rule will not affect students who are currently in Class 10.
As per the new guidelines, students studying in Class 9 from the academic year 2026-27 will have to learn three languages, out of which at least two must be Indian languages. The list of Indian languages includes Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Odia and Assamese, among others.
Students can also choose foreign languages such as English, French, German, Arabic and Spanish. Those who have already opted for two foreign languages will be allowed to continue with them but must add one Indian language as the third language.
CBSE clarified that the new language requirement will be introduced gradually. Students currently studying in Classes 7, 8 and 9 who have already selected two foreign languages can continue with their existing choices but will need to add an Indian language later.
The board also stated that the third language will initially be assessed at the school level and will not be included in board examinations for certain batches. However, students from Class 6 of the 2026-27 session onwards will fully follow the new policy and will have to appear for the third language examination when they reach Class 10.
Certain exemptions have also been provided. Children with disabilities, students studying in CBSE schools outside India, and some foreign students returning to India will be exempted from mandatory Indian language requirements.
CBSE said the reform aims to promote Indian languages, reduce examination pressure, and make language learning more practical and engaging for students.