CBSE makes three languages compulsory from Class IX, says no board exam for third language

Rashmi Pandey — Sat, 16 May 2026 11:05:22 +0000

The Central Board of Secondary Education has made the study of three languages compulsory for students from Class IX beginning July 1, 2026, while clarifying that there will be no Board examination for the third language, or R3, in Class X. The Board said in a circular issued on May 15 that the change is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.

According to the circular, at least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages. CBSE said the three-language structure R1, R2 and R3 will be compulsory for Class IX students from the 2026–27 session, with the language mix to follow the policy emphasis on Indian languages. Reports today said that while the third language will be taught as part of the curriculum, it will not be tested through a Board examination in Class X.

The new rule marks a fresh phase in CBSE’s ongoing implementation of the multilingual framework under NEP 2020. Earlier reports in February and April had said the board was preparing to introduce a third language option in lower classes and extend the model gradually to secondary level, with the broader aim of strengthening language learning continuity. The latest circular confirms that the policy is now being brought into Class IX from July 1 this year.

The change is likely to require schools to adjust subject planning, teacher allocation and language combinations for students moving into higher classes. Media reports today said foreign languages can still be offered, but only as the third language or as an additional fourth subject, provided the requirement of two Indian languages is met. CBSE’s step follows the framework laid out in NEP 2020, which has emphasized multilingual learning and greater space for Indian languages in school education.

For students and parents, the key point is that language study will become more structured from Class IX, but the Board has also made clear that R3 will not add an extra board-exam burden in Class X. The circular has therefore clarified both the academic requirement and the examination rule at the same time.

R1 R2 R3 | Business Upturn

CBSE makes three languages compulsory from Class IX, says no board exam for third language