CBSE clarifies implementation of three-language policy under NEP 2020

CBSE has released detailed implementation guidelines for its Three-Language Policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, outlining how the new framework will be introduced across different school batches while providing transitional exemptions for current students.

Under the revised policy, students currently studying in Class 10 will continue with the existing two-language system during the 2026-27 academic session.

The Board also clarified that students currently enrolled in Classes 7, 8, and 9 will not have to appear for a CBSE board examination in the third language when they reach Class 10.

The guidelines align with the objectives of NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.

According to the policy, students will study three languages, with at least two required to be Bhartiya Bhashas (Indian languages). If the first two languages are Bhartiya Bhashas, the third language may be a non-native language.

CBSE said students in the current Classes 7, 8, and 9 who have already opted for two foreign languages will be allowed to continue with those languages but must add one Bhartiya Bhasha.

For students in the current Class 10 batch, no changes will be made to the existing examination pattern. "No third language is required to be taken by this batch," the board stated.

For the current Class 9 batch, the additional third language will be evaluated through an internal school-based assessment. It will not be included in the CBSE Class 10 board examination when these students appear for the 2027-28 board exams.

The same assessment model will apply to students currently in Classes 7 and 8. While they will study an additional Bhartiya Bhasha if required under the new framework, the third language will be assessed internally by schools and will not form part of the Class 10 board examination.

CBSE also said it, along with NCERT, will provide grade-appropriate learning resources to support schools and students during the transition.

For students entering Class 6 from the 2026-27 academic session, the policy will be implemented in full. They will study three languages, with two required to be Bhartiya Bhashas.

Unlike the transitional batches, these students and future Class 6 cohorts will have to take a CBSE board examination in the third language when they reach Class 10.

"The dedicated R3 textbooks for Class 6 in 22 scheduled Bhartiya Bhashas are being made available on www.ncert.nic.in," the board stated.

The Board has also outlined exemptions from the compulsory third Indian language requirement.

These include Children with Special Needs (CwSN), who will receive relaxations under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, CBSE-affiliated schools located outside India, and foreign students returning to India.

According to CBSE, the policy is designed to promote multilingual learning while ensuring students are not adversely affected during the transition.

"The objective is to make language learning a meaningful, engaging, and enriching experience that contributes to the holistic development of every learner."