The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will require students in Classes 9 and 10 to study three languages starting July 1, 2026 [2].
This policy shift aims to increase multilingual proficiency among students across India. By requiring a broader linguistic foundation, the board seeks to preserve cultural heritage and improve communication skills within a diverse population.
Under the new mandate, students must study three languages [1]. A key requirement of the rule is that at least two of these three languages must be native Indian languages [2]. This specific requirement is intended to reinforce the board's commitment to linguistic diversity [2].
Despite the mandatory nature of the third language, it will not be included in the final board examinations [1]. Instead, the subject will be evaluated through school-based internal examinations [1].
"The third language will be assessed through school‑based internal examinations and will not be part of the board exam," a CBSE spokesperson said [1].
The rule applies to all schools affiliated with the CBSE across India [1]. The board said that the internal assessment model allows students to gain proficiency without the high-pressure environment of the board exams, a balance intended to encourage learning over rote memorization.
"At least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages, reinforcing our commitment to linguistic diversity," a CBSE official said [2].
“At least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages”
The CBSE's decision to mandate a third language while exempting it from board exams suggests a strategic attempt to promote vernacular literacy without increasing the academic burden on students. By prioritizing native Indian languages, the board is aligning educational policy with nationalistic goals of linguistic preservation, while the internal assessment structure prevents the new requirement from impacting students' final GPA or college admissions metrics.
