CBSE third language rule: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Thursday mandated the immediate introduction of a third language for Class 6 students from the academic year 2026-27, instructing all affiliated schools to comply within seven days. The move comes amid the absence of prescribed textbooks.
In a circular issued on April 9, the board directed the schools to treat the directive as ‘urgent and mandatory,’ emphasising that the implementation must begin without delay.
[caption id="attachment_2508" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Representative image[/caption]
CBSE third language rule: Teaching to begin without textbooks
The board acknowledged that official learning materials are yet to be released, but asked the schools to begin instruction using locally available books and resources. It noted that while textbooks for the third language (R3) will be provided soon, this should not hinder the rollout.
Additionally, the CBSE-affiliated schools have also been directed to declare the chosen third language and update the information on the OASIS portal. Compliance to the same will closely be monitored by CBSE’s regional offices to ensure adherence to the timeline.
Limited language choices for students
Furthermore, the CBSE clarified that only those languages introduced at the Class 6 level will be offered as options in Classes 9 and 10 within the same school. This effectively ties early implementation to students’ future subject choices, making timely adoption crucial for institutions.
[caption id="attachment_2190" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Representative image[/caption]
Notably, the directive is rooted in the recommendations of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, which promoted multilingual learning through the R1, R2, R3 model. Under the structure, students are required to study three languages; the regional or mother tongue (R1), another Indian language or English (R2) and a third language (R3), often an additional Indian language. The objective seeks to enhance linguistic proficiency while fostering cultural awareness and national integration.
The move falls in line with the broader goals of the National Education Policy 2020, which envisions students achieving multilingual proficiency by the end of their schooling. Currently, most CBSE students study only two languages. Earlier this month, the board reiterated that at least two of the three languages must be Indian languages, with the new framework set for full implementation by 2031.
Also read: CBSE mandates 3 languages from Class 6 onwards; 2 Indian languages compulsory by 2031 board exams