The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made the study of three languages ​​(under the Three-Language Rule) completely mandatory for Class 9 students. This new rule will come into effect starting July 1, 2026. As a result of this decision by the CBSE, students will now be required to accord greater importance to languages ​​in their academic studies. The Board has clarified that the primary objective of this initiative is to promote Indian languages. 

The Board formally communicated this new decision to all schools by issuing an official circular on May 15. In its circular, the CBSE stated that this decision has been taken in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. Starting from the new academic session, Class 9 students will be required to study three languages ​​(R1, R2, and R3). Of these three languages, it is mandatory that at least two be native Indian languages.

Schools may offer students the option to choose any language from the list approved by the CBSE. Foreign languages ​​may be opted for only as a third or fourth optional language.
Will students be required to appear for a Board Examination in the third language in Class 10?

Students are bound to wonder whether they will be required to appear for a Board Examination in this third language. Providing significant relief to students, the CBSE has clarified that no external Board Examination will be conducted for the third language (R3) in Class 10. The entire assessment for the third language will be conducted internally at the school level. Students' performance in this assessment will be reflected in the final certificate issued by the CBSE. The Board has further clarified that no student will be barred from appearing for the Class 10 Board Examinations on account of the third language requirement.

Are there any alternatives to address the shortage of teachers?
The CBSE has acknowledged that many schools may face a shortage of teachers for these new languages. To address this issue, the Board has provided schools with several interim alternatives. Schools may engage in resource sharing or conduct virtual or hybrid classes. Additionally, retired teachers or qualified postgraduate candidates may also be appointed to teach the language. Until new textbooks for the secondary level become available, students will temporarily study the third language using Class 6 textbooks.

Which students will be exempted from this new rule?
CBSE has stated that certain specific categories of students will be granted concessions under this new rule. Children with Special Needs (CwSN)—that is, students with disabilities—may be exempted. Furthermore, CBSE schools operating outside India, as well as foreign students returning to India from abroad, will be granted exemptions from this rule on a case-by-case basis. All other general students will be required to comply with this new rule. Schools must update their language options on the OASIS portal by June 30, 2026.

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