The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued fresh guidelines regarding the implementation of the three-language policy, clarifying that the current batch of Class 10 students will be exempt from the revised framework.
According to the Board, students in Class 10 during the 2026–27 academic session will continue under the existing system of studying two languages. “There will be no change for students who are in Class X during 2026–27, and they will continue with the old system of two languages. No third language is required to be taken by this batch,” the official notice stated.
CBSE Academics Director Praggya M. Singh confirmed that the revised guidelines are aimed at ensuring that ongoing batches are not affected by sudden policy changes, especially those preparing for board examinations.
The Board has also provided a one-time relaxation for students currently in Class 9. These students will be allowed to continue with a combination of two foreign languages and one Indian language under the updated guidelines.
Additionally, CBSE clarified that students currently studying in Classes 7, 8, and 9 will not be required to appear for a board examination in a third language when they reach Class 10.
The clarification follows a circular issued in May, which stated that from July 1, students entering Class 9 would be required to study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages, in line with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). The circular had raised concerns among parents and educators regarding its timing and impact on academic planning.
A petition filed by 19 parents and teachers from Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and Chennai has challenged the May 15 circular, arguing that it represented a sudden policy shift. The matter is scheduled to be heard in the second week of July.
The latest clarification from CBSE is expected to provide temporary relief to affected students and schools while the broader implementation of the three-language policy continues to be reviewed.
Sources: Hindustan Times
