CBSE: Current Class 10 exempted from 3-language policy, Class 9 can study 2 foreign languages

The CBSE on Monday (June 29) issued fresh guidelines for the implementation of its three-language policy, granting exemption to the current batch of Class 10 students from studying three languages.

As a one-time relaxation to Class 9 students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) clarified that the current batch will have to study three languages, but they can study two foreign languages and one Indian language.

The developments come more than a month after the CBSE announced that studying three languages, including at least two native Indian languages, has been made compulsory for Class 9 students beginning July 1.

Several students and parents had approached the court against the CBSE order.

“The current batch of Class 10 will not have to follow the three-language policy. The current batches of Classes 7-9 will not be required to give board exams in third language when they progress to Class 10," CBSE Academics Director Praggya M Singh said.

“As a one-time relaxation, students who are already in Class 9 during 2026-27 may continue with two non-native (foreign) languages and need to add one Indian language as the third language," she added.

The board issued the following guidelines on the three-language policy:

• The current batch of class X will not have to follow the new language policy.
• The current batches studying in class VII, VIII and IX would not be required to give board examination in third language when they progress to Class X.
• The current batches of class VII, VIII, IX who had already taken 2 foreign languages will continue with the same with one additional native Indian Language (Bhartiya Bhasha).
• The grade appropriate resource material will be made available in a time-bound manner.
• Language learning will be meaningful, engaging, and enriching to contribute to holistic development.

(With agency inputs)