CBSE mandates three-language formula from Class IX; two must Be Indian languages

KOCHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a directive introducing pivotal changes to the language curriculum for classes IX and X, making the study of three languages mandatory. Under the revised guidelines, at least two of these must be native Indian languages. While students will face board examinations for the first two languages, the third language will be assessed internally by schools, sparing students from a centralised board exam for it.

The option to choose a foreign language as the third subject is strictly contingent upon the first two being Indian languages; otherwise, the foreign language must be taken as an elective or additional subject. For the upcoming 2026–27 academic year, schools may utilise Class VI textbooks and regional literature until dedicated learning materials for the third language are officially rolled out.

Affiliated schools are required to update their language electives on the CBSE OASIS portal by June 30, with comprehensive operational guidelines scheduled for release by June 15. Meanwhile, the board has granted specific exemptions to CBSE schools operating overseas, as well as to NRI students returning from abroad.

To counter potential staff shortages stemming from this curriculum overhaul, the board has permitted institutions to leverage online or virtual classrooms, or alternatively, recruit qualified postgraduates and retired educators. Welcoming the decision, Dr. Indira Rajan, Secretary-General of the National Council of CBSE Schools, stated that the initiative is an excellent stride toward fostering multilingualism without imposing an undue academic burden on students.