At Least Two Languages Must Be Native Indian Languages Under New Scheme of Studies
New Delhi, May 16: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced key amendments in the Scheme of Studies for Classes IX and X from the academic session 2026-27 onwards, aligning it with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
According to CBSE Circular No. Acad-33/2026 issued on May 15, students in Classes IX and X will now have to study three languages (R1, R2, R3), with at least two being native Indian languages. Students wishing to study a foreign language as the third language may do so only if the other two languages are native Indian languages, or alternatively as an additional fourth language.
CBSE stated that the move is part of a transitional approach to align the Board’s Scheme of Studies with the newly released NCERT syllabus for Class IX (2026-27).
The Board further informed that no Board Examination will be conducted for the third language (R3) at the Class X level. Assessment for R3 will be entirely school-based and internal, with performance reflected in the CBSE certificate. Students will not be barred from appearing in Class X Board examinations due to R3.
To support implementation, schools may choose any language from the CBSE list of subjects, ensuring compliance with the requirement of two native Indian languages. Schools have also been directed to update their R3 offerings on the OASIS portal by June 30, 2026.
CBSE said dedicated R3 textbooks in 19 scheduled languages will be made available before July 1, while SCERT and state-level resources may be used for other native Indian languages.
The Board also allowed temporary measures for schools facing shortages of qualified native language teachers. Schools may engage teachers from other subjects with language proficiency, adopt cluster-based resource sharing, virtual or hybrid teaching support, and utilise retired language teachers or qualified postgraduates during the transition period.
Special relaxations have been provided for Children with Special Needs (CwSN), CBSE schools outside India, and foreign students returning to India, who may receive exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
CBSE reiterated that the reforms are intended to promote multilingual learning and cultural rootedness without increasing examination pressure on students.(KNC)
