The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided that from July 1, 2026, the study of a third language shall be made compulsory for the 9th-class students. This new policy has come in the backdrop of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. As per the revised language scheme, students will study 3 languages in Classes 9-10, of which 2 or more will be Indian languages (R1, R2 & R3). CBSE clarified that the third language will not be a part of the Class 10 Board examination, and a school-based assessment and internal assessment will continue.
Key Highlights of CBSE Third Language Policy for Class 9
- CBSE has introduced the policy for studying three languages in Classes 9 and 10 from 1st July 2026.
- The policy has been put in place in view of NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023 methodology.
- Students will be studying 3 languages: R1, R2 & R3.
- One of the three languages should be one or two of the native Indian languages.
- Only if Indian languages are the other two options, then we can select Foreign languages.
- CBSE clarified that there will be no 10th Board examination in the third language (R3).
- Schools will internally conduct their third language assessment.
- R3 marks will also be found on the CBSE certificate.
- No student will be disqualified from appearing in Class 10 Board Exams due to R3.
- The policy is intended to give a boost to multilingualism and the development of Indian languages.
- The three-language formula is being incorporated into the National Education Policy 2020.
- The transitional approach was implemented by CBSE as the academic session had begun in April 2026.
- In the case of a teacher shortage, schools may temporarily assign a teacher who has a “working command” of the language.
- Schools can use these Class 6 R3 textbooks as a resource for Class 9 learners, pending the issue of dedicated textbooks.
- School may supplement with local and regional literature.
- Relaxations as per the RPwD Act 2016 are available for children with Special Needs (CwSN).
- Exemption from the qualifications may be granted on a case-by-case basis to foreign students.
- The implementation of the three-language formula has triggered renewed state-by-state debates about the three-language formula.
- The Kothari Commission (1964-66) was the first to recommend the use of a three-language formula.
PYQs Related to Education Policy and CBSE
| Exam Name & Year | Question | Options | Answer |
| UPSC Prelims 2020 | National Education Policy 2020 mainly focuses on which area? | A. Industrial growth B. Educational reforms C. Agricultural policy D. Defence policy | B. Educational reforms |
| SSC CGL 2022 | CBSE stands for which of the following? | A. Central Board of Secondary Education B. Council Board of School Education C. Central Bureau of School Education D. Council of Basic School Education | A. Central Board of Secondary Education |
| State PCS 2021 | Which commission first recommended the three-language formula in India? | A. Mandal Commission B. Sarkaria Commission C. Kothari Commission D. Punchhi Commission | C. Kothari Commission |
| SSC CHSL 2023 | NEP 2020 was launched in which year? | A. 2018 B. 2019 C. 2020 D. 2021 | C. 2020 |
| UPSC Prelims 2019 | Which Article of the Constitution deals with the promotion of the Hindi language? | A. Article 343 B. Article 351 C. Article 370 D. Article 356 | B. Article 351 |
Conclusion
The third language policy for Class 9 is a significant change in the National Education Policy 2020. The purpose of the movement is to encourage “Multilingualism”, to boost the Indian languages and to develop cultural awareness of students. CBSE aims for this through ensuring a minimum of two Indian languages are compulsory, with flexibility with regard to foreign language learning. The decision also comes as part of the government’s wider efforts on a revolution in education for all and in all its aspects. For those aspiring for competitive examinations and those who are writing essays on education-related current affairs, it is essential for the students to understand the three-language formula and education governance in India as per NEP 2020.
