CBSE Revises Three Language Policy: Current Class 10 Gets Exemption, Class 9 Gets One Time Relaxation

In a significant relief for thousands of students and parents, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced fresh guidelines for implementing its three language policy , exempting the current Class 10 batch from the new requirement. The board has also introduced a one time relaxation for students currently studying in Class 9 , easing concerns that had emerged following the policy's earlier rollout.

According to the revised guidelines issued on Monday, students who are presently in Class 10 will not be required to follow the new three language framework. Additionally, students currently studying in Classes 7 to 9 will not have to appear for a board examination in the third language when they reach Class 10, providing clarity on how the transition to the new system will take place.

For the current Class 9 batch (2026-27) , the CBSE has allowed a special concession. These students may continue studying two foreign (non native) languages , provided they add one Indian language as their third language . The board described this as a one time relaxation aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to the new academic framework without disrupting the studies of students already enrolled.

The clarification comes just weeks after the CBSE made headlines by announcing that three languages, including at least two native Indian languages , would become compulsory for Class 9 students from July 1 . The decision had sparked widespread debate, with several students and parents approaching the courts, expressing concerns over the sudden implementation and its impact on students who had already chosen their subjects.

Explaining the revised position, CBSE Academics Director Praggya M Singh said that the current Class 10 students would remain outside the scope of the new policy, while the present batches of Classes 7 to 9 would also be spared from writing board examinations in the third language when they move to Class 10.

The language policy forms part of the CBSE's broader academic reforms introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 . In April, the board had announced a phased implementation of the three language formula beginning from Class 6 , alongside another major reform that introduces a two level system in Mathematics and Science for Class 9 from the 2026-27 academic session .

Under this new academic structure, all students will continue to write a common 80 mark examination in Mathematics and Science. Those wishing to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency can additionally opt for an advanced level paper , designed to assess deeper conceptual understanding and higher order thinking skills. The first Class 10 board examinations under this two level system are scheduled for 2028 , covering students who enter Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic year.