CBSE Makes Major Announcement : Class 9 Students Will Now Have to Study 3 Languages, Mandatory from July 1, 2026
News Desk, May 16 : The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken a significant step to promote multilingualism and Indian languages among students. In a circular (Acad-33/2026) issued on May 15, 2026, the Board has made the study of three languages (R1, R2, and R3) mandatory for all Class 9 students starting from July 1, 2026. At least two of these languages must be Indian languages.
This decision is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. CBSE has aligned this change with NCERT’s new Class 9 curriculum.
What is the New Rule?
CBSE has categorised languages into three levels:
– R1: The student’s primary/mother tongue or strongest language (to be studied at a higher level).
– R2 : Second language (different from R1).
– R3 : Third language (different from R1 and R2).
Key Conditions :
– At least two languages must be Indian languages.
– If a student wishes to study a foreign language (e.g., French, German), then both R1 and R2 must be Indian languages. Foreign languages can be taken as an additional fourth language.
– In Class 10, there will be no board examination for R3 (third language). It will be assessed internally by the school and the result will be mentioned in the CBSE certificate.
Transition Plan for 2026-27 Session
– Class 9 students will initially use NCERT/CBSE-prescribed Class 6 level textbooks for R3.
– Schools can enrich the curriculum by adding local literature, poems, and stories.
– Detailed guidelines will be issued by June 15, 2026.
– In case of teacher shortages, schools can adopt cluster models, online/hybrid classes, or utilise retired teachers.
Instructions for Schools
– All CBSE-affiliated schools must update R3 language information for Classes 6 to 9 on the OASIS portal by June 30, 2026.
– Special provisions have been made for Children with Special Needs (CwSN), students returning from abroad, and foreign CBSE schools.
Objective and Benefits
According to CBSE, this change is not meant to increase academic pressure but to promote Multilingual Education.
It aims to :
– Strengthen students’ understanding and cultural connection with Indian languages.
– Enhance cognitive development.
– Prepare students for better global competitiveness.
The Board has appealed to schools to create positive awareness among parents, teachers, and students about the new system.
Impact on Students and Parents
This rule will apply to students entering Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic session. Students already in Class 9–10 will not be immediately affected, but the three-language formula will be fully implemented in the coming years (by 2030-31).
While some parents have expressed concern about additional workload, education experts are largely welcoming it as a positive step towards fulfilling NEP’s vision of a multilingual India.
CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh had earlier emphasised that this policy aims to connect students with India’s rich linguistic diversity.
This decision is part of CBSE’s broader curriculum reforms, which also include making vocational education, arts, and physical education mandatory in Classes 9–10. The Board’s goal is to provide skill-based and holistic education to students.
Schools and parents are advised by CBSE to refer to the official CBSE website and circular for complete details and ensure timely updation on the OASIS portal.
