New Delhi16 May. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made the study of three languages ​​(R1, R2 and R3) mandatory for class 9 students from July 1, 2026. It has also been clarified that there will be no board exam for third language (R3) in class 10th.

There will be no board exam for third language (R3) in class 10th

CBSE, in a circular issued on May 15, said that out of the three languages, at least two should be of Indian origin, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. The board said the revised framework has been designed in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.

At least two languages ​​should be of Indian origin

The circular said, ‘From July 1, 2026, for class IX, study of three languages ​​(R1, R2, R3) will be compulsory, of which at least two languages ​​should be of Indian origin.’ Students who want to study a foreign language will be allowed to do so. They can choose it as a third language, provided their other two languages ​​are of Indian origin, or they can study it as an additional fourth language.

“Considering that the current academic session began in April, 2026, CBSE has decided to adopt a transitional approach to align its study plan with the NCERT curriculum,” the board said in its official notice.

Guidelines issued to all learning resources

In this sequence, CBSE has directed all schools to carefully read the updated curriculum objectives, competencies and learning outcomes for language education. In its circular issuing guidelines on teaching resources, CBSE pointed out that there is 75-80% similarity in core language competencies between middle stage and secondary stage education, which includes reading comprehension, written expression and grammatical knowledge.

Use of Class 6 R3 textbooks unless specific R3 textbooks are available

Until special R3 textbooks become available, class nine students will use class six R3 textbooks (2026–27 edition) for the chosen language.

The board said schools have been directed to use these textbooks along with appropriate local or state level literary material, which the schools themselves will select. This content may include short stories, poems, or non-fiction works.

CBSE said that Class 6 R3 textbooks in 19 listed languages ​​will be made available to schools before July 1. Detailed guidelines regarding the selection of supplementary literary material and its instructional use will be issued by CBSE by June 15.