The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will require Class 9 students to study three languages starting in July 2026 [1].
This shift represents a significant change in the academic workload for millions of students across India. By mandating multilingual proficiency, the board aims to align school curricula with the broader National Education Policy framework.
Under the new guidelines, students in Class 9 [2] must study three languages in total [3]. This requirement specifically includes the study of two Indian languages [3]. The policy is set to be implemented nationwide across all schools adhering to the CBSE curriculum [1].
The board said the move is designed to promote multilingualism and preserve cultural heritage through language study. However, the announcement has triggered a nationwide debate among educators, parents, and students regarding the feasibility of the transition.
Critics of the policy said the additional language requirement adds undue academic pressure on students who are already facing rigorous coursework. There are also concerns regarding implementation challenges, such as the availability of qualified teachers for various Indian languages across different states.
Schools must now prepare to adjust their schedules and staffing to accommodate the new requirements before the July 2026 [1] deadline. The board has not yet released specific details on how the grading for the third language will be weighted against other core subjects.
“Class 9 students must study three languages, including two Indian languages.”
The mandate reflects a strategic push by the Indian government to institutionalize the National Education Policy's goal of multilingualism. By requiring two Indian languages, the CBSE is attempting to bridge regional linguistic divides, though the success of the initiative depends on whether schools can secure enough specialized faculty to meet the July 2026 deadline without compromising other academic standards.
