The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced important changes to the language scheme for Classes 9 and 10 from the academic year 2026–27 onwards. The Board has outlined a transitional plan to align its Scheme of Studies with the latest NCERT syllabus, in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
For school teachers and principals, these changes will require careful planning, curriculum alignment, and resource management in the coming months.
Why Has CBSE Introduced This Change?
CBSE reviewed the newly released NCERT syllabus for Class 09 (2026–27), which includes the study of three languages (R1, R2, and R3) at the Secondary Stage. These amendments will be effective from 01 July, 2026.
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Key Changes in the Language Scheme for Class 9
- Studying three languages (R1, R2, and R3) will be compulsory.
- At least two of these languages must be native Indian languages.
- Students may choose a foreign language as the third language only if the other two languages are native Indian languages.
Alternatively, a foreign language may be studied as an additional fourth language.
These changes are aimed at strengthening multilingual learning while supporting the objectives of NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023.
What Should CBSE Principals and Teachers Do?
CBSE has advised all school principals to carefully study the curricular goals, competencies, and learning outcomes outlined in NCF-SE 2023 for languages and other subjects.
A comparative analysis conducted by the Board indicates that there is approximately 75–80% overlap in core language competencies between the Middle Stage and Secondary Stage R3 curriculum. These competencies include:
a) Oral communication
b) Reading comprehension
c) Written expression
d) Grammatical awareness
Textbooks and Learning Resources for R3
Until dedicated Secondary Stage R3 textbooks become available, schools should use the Class 6 R3 textbooks (2026–27 edition) for the chosen language in Class 9.
To strengthen learning outcomes, schools must also supplement these textbooks with suitable local or state literary material, such as:
- Short stories
- Poems
- Non-fiction texts
CBSE has stated that detailed guidelines on selecting and using supplementary literary resources will be issued by 15 June, 2026.
Availability of Language Resources
The Board has informed schools that:
Class 6 R3 textbooks in 19 scheduled languages will be made available before 1 July, 2026. The list of languages in which Class 6 R3 textbooks are being developed is as follows:
1. Assamese
2. Bengali
3. Bodo
4. Dogri
5. Gujarati
6. Kannada
7. Kashmiri
8. Konkani
9. Maithili
10. Malayalam
11. Manipuri
12. Marathi
13. Nepali
14. Odia
15. Punjabi
16. Santhali
17. Sindhi
18. Tamil
19. Telugu AP and Telugu Telangana
Note: For other native Indian languages, schools may continue using relevant SCERT and state-level resources, as followed earlier.
Addressing Teacher Availability Challenges
Recognising that some schools may face difficulties in finding qualified language teachers, CBSE has suggested several temporary solutions:
- Engage existing teachers who possess functional proficiency in the concerned language.
- Use inter-school resource sharing through Sahodaya clusters.
- Adopt virtual or hybrid teaching models.
- Engage retired language teachers.
- Utilise suitably qualified postgraduate professionals.
Assessment for R3 Language
The Board has decided that to reduce student pressure, no Board examinations will be conducted for Class 10 R3 language. All assessments must be school-based and internal. Student performance will be reflected in their respective CBSE certificate.
Note: The Board will share the sample question papers and the rubrics for internal assessment.
Important Instructions Related to R3 Language
Schools are requested to update their R3 offerings as per policy recommendations for Classes 6 to 9 on the OASIS Portal by 30 June, 2026.
CBSE has given special provisions and exemptions to:
- Children with Special Needs (CwSN) by granting relaxations as per the RPwD Act, 2016. This also includes exemption from second and/or third language where applicable.
- Foreign students returning to India may be granted case-by-case exemptions from the requirement of two native Indian languages.
- CBSE schools that are situated outside India.
Helpline
For any clarification pertaining to Scheme of Studies for Languages schools may contact the CBSE Academic Unit at: [email protected] or call on: 011-24050612
Important Links
| CBSE New Curriculum: What the Third Language Rule Means for Classes 6, 9 & 10 | CBSE Introduces AI and Computational Thinking Curriculum: What Schools Must Know |
| CBSE Introduces Optional Advanced Maths and Science | CBSE Class 10, 12 Re-evaluation and Verification Portal 2026 Open |
Final Thoughts
The revised language framework marks another significant step towards implementing the multilingual vision of NEP 2020. For CBSE schools, the coming months will be crucial for curriculum planning, resource selection, and teacher preparedness. By adopting the transitional measures outlined by CBSE, schools can ensure a smooth and effective implementation of the new language requirements.
Source
Official Notice by CBSE, 15 May, 2026: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the CBSE, Education Ministry, and Government of India.
