SRINAGAR: The Central Board of Secondary Education (Central Board of Secondary Education) has revised its Scheme of Studies for Classes IX and X from the 2026–27 academic session, making the study of three languages compulsory as part of reforms aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
According to CBSE’s Circular No. Acad-33/2026 issued on May 15, students in Classes IX and X will now be required to study three languages (R1, R2 and R3), with at least two of them being native Indian languages. Students opting for a foreign language as the third language will be permitted to do so only if the first two languages are Indian languages, or they may study it as an additional fourth language.
The Board said the changes are part of a phased transition to align its curriculum with the newly introduced NCERT Class IX syllabus for 2026–27.
It further clarified that no Board examination will be conducted for the third language (R3) at the Class X level. Assessment of R3 will be school-based and internal, and will be reflected in the final CBSE certificate. Students will remain eligible to appear for the Class X Board examinations irrespective of their performance in R3.
Schools have been directed to offer languages from the CBSE-approved list, ensuring compliance with the requirement of two Indian languages. They must also update their R3 subject offerings on the OASIS portal by June 30, 2026.
CBSE stated that textbooks for R3 in 19 scheduled Indian languages will be made available before July 1, while state curriculum resources may be used for other native languages where required.
To support implementation, the Board has permitted interim arrangements for schools facing shortages of qualified language teachers, including engaging staff with language proficiency, cluster-based resource sharing, online or hybrid teaching models, and deployment of retired or qualified educators during the transition period.
Special exemptions have been allowed for Children with Special Needs (CwSN), CBSE-affiliated schools abroad, and returning students, to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
CBSE said the reform aims to strengthen multilingual learning, promote cultural grounding and reduce examination pressure while implementing the new national education framework.
