Mandatory Three-Language Policy 2026 Announced for CBSE Class 6 to 10 Students

CBSE has released guidelines for implementing the three-language policy in affiliated schools for classes 6–10 with exception cases from the 2026–27 academic session. The guidelines are aimed at aligning language education in CBSE with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 

Here's everything you need to know about the new CBSE language policy, who it applies to, and what changes you can expect.

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CBSE Issues New Three-Language Policy Guidelines for Academic Session 2026–27

According to the official press release dated 29 June, 2026, CBSE has clarified that the implementation of the three-language policy will be introduced in a phased manner for classes 6 to 10.

The policy applies to the Middle Stage (Classes 6 to 8) and continues into the Secondary Stage (Classes 9 and 10).

What Is the CBSE Three-Language Rule?

Under the CBSE three-language rule, you will study three languages, with at least two being Bhartiya Bhashas (native Indian languages). 

You can choose a non-native language as the third language (R3) only if your other two languages are Bhartiya Bhashas.

CBSE Three-Language Policy 2026: Class-Wise Guidelines

Class 10 Students (Academic Session 2026–27)

If you are in Class 10 during the 2026–27 academic session, there is no change for you, you will continue under the existing two-language system and will not be required to study a third language.

Class 9 Students (Academic Session 2026–27)

If you are studying in Class 9 during 2026–27, you will study three languages, with at least two being Bhartiya Bhashas.

In class 9, CBSE has explained different situations to help students understand their language options:

Situation 1: You Already Study Two Bhartiya Bhashas

Example: Hindi+Tamil

You may choose as your third language:

• Another Bhartiya Bhasha, or
• A non-native language such as English or French.

Situation 2: You Study One Bhartiya Bhasha and One Non-Native Language

Example: Tamil+English

You must choose one Bhartiya Bhasha as your third language.

Situation 3: You Already Study Two Non-Native Languages

Example: English+French

As a special one-time relaxation, you may continue studying these two non-native languages and add one Bhartiya Bhasha as your third language.

Assessment Clarification for Current Class 9 Students

• The third language (R3) will be assessed only by your school through an internal school-based assessment.
• There will be no CBSE Board examination in the third language when this batch reaches Class 10 in 2027–28.
• CBSE and NCERT will provide grade-appropriate learning resources for the third language.

Class 7 and Class 8 Students (Academic Session 2026–27)

If you are currently studying in Class 7 or 8, you will continue studying three languages when you reach Classes 9 and 10.

Relaxation for Students Already Studying Two Non-Native Languages

If you have already selected and started studying two non-native languages, you may continue them and study one additional Bhartiya Bhasha until Class 10.

Assessment

The third language (R3) will be assessed through an internal school-based assessment and not have a CBSE Board examination when your batch reaches Class 10.

Class VI Students (Academic Session 2026–27)

For students entering Class VI in 2026–27:

• Two of the three languages must be Bhartiya Bhashas.
• When this batch progresses to Class 10, the third language (R3) will be part of the CBSE Board examination.

CBSE has also stated that dedicated R3 textbooks for Class VI in 22 scheduled Bhartiya Bhashas are being made available through NCERT.

General Exemptions Under the CBSE Three-Language Policy

1. Children with Special Needs (CwSN)

Relaxations and exemptions from the compulsory third language are available as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

2. CBSE Schools Outside India

All CBSE-affiliated schools located outside India are fully exempt from the requirement of studying a native Indian language as the third language.

3. Foreign Students Returning to India

Foreign students returning to India are also exempt from studying a native Indian language as the third language (R3).

Provision for Students Whose Families Move to Another State

If your parents or guardians move to another state, you may continue with the same third language (R3) you chose during the Middle Stage when you enter Class 9.

Schools are required to provide adequate resources to support these language choices.

How Will Schools Implement the New CBSE Three-Language Policy?

CBSE has introduced flexible staffing provisions for schools.

Schools may use:

• Existing teachers with functional proficiency
• Retired teachers
• Postgraduate teachers
• Sahodaya clusters for inter-school sharing
• Virtual or hybrid teaching

Important Links

Conclusion

The CBSE three-language policy will be implemented in phases from the 2026–27 academic session, with different rules and transitional relaxations based on your current class. You should check the guidelines applicable to your batch to understand the language requirements, assessment pattern, and exemptions announced by CBSE.

Source

Official Notice by CBSE, 29 June, 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