CBSE Relaxes Three-Language Policy for Existing Classes 7–9 Students

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major relaxation in the implementation of its revised three-language policy, allowing students currently enrolled in Classes 7, 8 and 9 to continue studying their existing language combinations until they complete Class 10. The move comes in response to concerns raised by schools and parents over the transition to the new framework introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Under the revised guidelines, students who have already opted to study two foreign languages, or a combination of English and another foreign language, will not be required to alter their subjects midway through their secondary education. CBSE said the exemption is intended to ensure that no student faces academic disadvantage due to changes in curriculum or language requirements during an ongoing course of study.

The clarification follows the board’s earlier circular, which stated that beginning July 1, 2026, students entering Class 9 would be required to study three languages, with at least two of them being Indian languages. The policy is aligned with the recommendations of the National Education Policy and the National Curriculum Framework, which aim to strengthen multilingual learning and promote the use of Indian languages in schools.

According to the latest directive, the relaxation is strictly a transitional arrangement applicable only to students already studying in Classes 7, 8 and 9. These students will be allowed to retain their present language combinations until they appear for the Class 10 board examinations. Current Class 10 students have also been exempted from the new language requirements.

For future batches entering Class 9, however, the three-language policy will be implemented as planned. Schools have been instructed to gradually align their academic offerings with the revised framework while ensuring that students and parents receive adequate guidance during the transition.

CBSE emphasised that the objective of the revised guidelines is to facilitate a smooth and student-friendly implementation of the NEP 2020 without disrupting the academic progress of existing students. The board has asked affiliated schools to adhere to the updated instructions and ensure that the policy is introduced in a manner that safeguards students’ educational interests while promoting multilingual proficiency.