CBSE: Major decision for Class 10 students; board issues new guidelines for the three-language policy

June 29, 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a significant change regarding its three-language policy. According to the board’s new guidelines, current Class 10 students will not be required to take a board examination for a third language. This decision brings great relief to lakhs of students and parents. Let us understand the new guidelines in detail.

Under the new CBSE guidelines, the new three-language policy will not apply to current Class 10 students. Furthermore, students currently studying in Classes 7, 8, and 9 will not be required to take a board exam for a third language when they reach Class 10. Students who have already opted for two foreign languages ​​may continue with them, but they will also be required to study an additional Indian language (Native Indian Language).

Understanding the guidelines in brief
According to CBSE’s new three-language policy, students must study three languages, with at least two of them being Indian languages. A non-Indian language may be chosen as the third language (R3), provided the other two are Indian languages.

No changes have been made for current Class 10 students (academic session 2026-27). They will not have to study a third language or take a board exam for it; they will continue their studies under the existing system.

However, it will be mandatory for all Class 9 students to study three languages. At least two of these must be Indian languages, while a non-Indian language—such as English, French, German, Arabic, or Spanish—may be selected as the third language.

New guidelines to be implemented from 2026-27
CBSE’s primary objective is to make students proficient in multiple Indian languages ​​(Native Indian Languages) and to promote the language-learning process, ensuring a balanced and holistic educational experience.

The board aims to transform language learning from a mere academic subject into a meaningful, engaging, and enriching experience that fosters the all-round development of students.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a third language (R3) at the secondary stage (Classes 9 and 10) is an extension of the language-learning process initiated at the middle stage (Classes 6 to 8). Keeping these objectives in mind, it has been deemed necessary to issue detailed guidelines for the implementation of the language policy in CBSE-affiliated schools, effective from the 2026-27 academic session.