The CBSE has released the R3 Language Assessment Framework for Class 9 (2026–27) for all affiliated schools. Along with the framework, NCERT has started making the R3 Language Learning Resources available on its official website to support classroom implementation. The new framework outlines the school-based assessment pattern and evaluation criteria for the academic session.
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CBSE Releases R3 Language Assessment Framework for Class 9 (2026–27)
CBSE has informed all affiliated schools that it has adopted the NCERT syllabus for Languages for Class 9.
The Board stated that the R3 language curriculum follows an Oral-First Pedagogy, where students first develop their listening and speaking abilities before progressing to reading and writing skills.
Schools have been instructed to implement the framework in classrooms and provide suggestions and feedback to CBSE after using the learning resources.
NCERT R3 Language Learning Resources Now Available
To support classroom implementation, NCERT has started making the R3 Language Learning Resources available on its official website.
You can access these resources by selecting the ‘R3 Language Learning Resources’ link available on the NCERT homepage.
CBSE has requested schools to use these resources during classroom teaching before submitting feedback for further improvement.
CBSE Class 9 R3 Language Assessment Pattern 2026–27
The Class 9 R3 Language assessment will be completely school-based and carry 100 marks, distributed as follows:
| Assessment Component | Marks |
| Listening & Speaking Skills | 40 |
| Creative Writing | 15 |
| Reading Skill (Learning Resource-based) | 20 |
| Writing Skill (Learning Resource-based) | 10 |
| Project Work | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
Section 1: Listening & Speaking Skills Carry 40 Marks
Listening and speaking skills will be assessed throughout the academic session through classroom activities.
Teachers will assess any eight activities, with each activity carrying 5 marks.
Suggested activities include:
- Listening and responding to instructions or questions
- Describing pictures, people, places, objects, or events
- Pair or group conversations
- Self and community introductions
- Narrating personal experiences
- Responding to announcements, interviews, or short talks
- Sequencing events from picture series
- Story retelling
- Role play
- Debates on familiar topics
Teachers may also choose other suitable activities that encourage students' interest in the R3 language.
Assessment Parameter for Listening and Speaking Skills
Students will be assessed on the following parameters:
- Clarity of expression and communication
- Sequencing of thoughts
- Appropriate responses
- Pronunciation, intonation, and voice modulation
- Vocabulary and language use
Section 2: Creative Writing Section Carries Marks
The Creative Writing section includes four components:
- Informal Invitation/Message (30–40 words) – 3 marks
- Picture Description (30–40 words) – 3 marks
(Content – 1 mark, Originality of idea – 1 mark, Organisation of thought – 1 mark)
- Simple Story Writing (up to 100 words) – 5 marks
(Content – 2 marks, Organisation of thought – 1 mark, Creative ideas – 2 marks)
- Day-to-Day Life Conversation (Dialogue up to 80 words) – 4 marks
(Relevance – 2 marks, Appropriateness of language – 1 mark, Coherence – 1 mark).
Section 3: Reading and Writing Assessment Based on Learning Resources
Reading Skills (20 Marks)
The Reading Skills assessment will be based on reading comprehension passages from the R3 Language Learning Resource.
Students will attempt two seen passages of up to 100 words each, with 10 marks allotted for each passage.
Each passage will include:
- Six objective-type questions (True/False, MCQs, fill in the blanks, match the following, etc.) carrying 6 marks
- Four Very Short Answer Questions (VSAQs) carrying 4 marks
Writing Skills (10 Marks)
The writing assessment will include:
- Three short-answer questions (30–40 words each) selected from five questions (6 marks)
- One long-answer question (80 words) selected from two questions (4 marks)
Section 4: Project Work Will Carry 15 Marks
The project will be conducted during the academic session.
Suggested themes include:
- Local customs, festivals, and community life
- Local art forms, folk songs, proverbs, stories, and oral narratives
- Technology and innovations
- Recent national initiatives
- Local writers, poets, and other contributors to the language
Students should be encouraged to gather information from the school library, family members, and the local community.
Project Assessment Rubrics
Projects will be evaluated on:
- Relevance to the selected theme (2 marks)
- Depth of exploration and diversity of sources (3 marks)
- Organisation of information (2 marks)
- Coherence of ideas (2 marks)
- Language appropriacy ( 1 marks)
- Viva (5 marks)
CBSE has also clarified that the focus should remain on the content and effort rather than project decoration.
Schools Asked to Share Feedback with CBSE
Schools should submit feedback on the R3 Language Learning Resources to [email protected] after implementation. CBSE will use the feedback to strengthen NEP 2020 implementation.
Important Links
Final Takeaway
The newly released CBSE R3 Language Assessment Framework for Class 9 (2026–27) introduces a school-based assessment model with a strong focus on listening, speaking, creative writing, reading, writing, and project work. With NCERT's learning resources now being rolled out, schools are expected to begin implementation and contribute feedback for further refinement of the framework.
Sources
Official Notice by CBSE, 02 July, 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
