CBSE Says New Three-Language Norm to Apply Only from Class 6, Not to Existing Batches

In a major relief for lakhs of CBSE students , those currently studying in Classes 7, 8 and 9 who have opted for two foreign languages under the three-language policy will be allowed to continue with the same language combination until Class 10 , board officials said on Friday.

The clarification comes over a month after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced that students entering Class 9 from July 1 would be required to study three languages, including at least two native Indian languages , in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 .

According to a senior CBSE official, the requirement to study at least two Indian languages will be implemented prospectively from Class 6 and will not apply retrospectively to students already studying in Classes 7 to 9. An official notification confirming the decision is expected soon.

The move follows legal challenges filed by several students and parents against the earlier CBSE directive.

In its May 15 circular , the Board had stated that students could choose a foreign language only as the third language after studying two Indian languages or as an additional fourth language . It also directed schools to use the Class 6 R3 textbooks (2026-27 edition) for Class 9 students until dedicated textbooks become available.

The language policy is part of CBSE's efforts to align its curriculum with NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 .

Separately, the Board has also announced the introduction of a two-level Mathematics and Science system for Class 9 from the 2026-27 academic session , with the first Class 10 board examinations under the revised format scheduled for 2028 .