CBSE Implements Three-Language Requirement for Secondary Students

May 16, 2026, 14:53
AsiaOther

Introduction

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that students entering Class 9 must study three languages, starting from July 1.

Main Body

This new requirement is based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF-SE) 2023. According to these guidelines, students must learn three languages, and at least two of them must be native Indian languages. A foreign language can be chosen as the third subject only if the student has already selected two native Indian languages; otherwise, foreign languages can be taken as an optional fourth subject through reading clubs. To reduce stress for students, the CBSE emphasized that assessments for the third language (R3) will be internal and managed by the school. Although the results will appear on the final certificate, there is no formal board exam for this subject. Consequently, no student will be prevented from taking the Class 10 Board exams due to their R3 performance. Furthermore, Class 9 students will temporarily use Class 6 textbooks until the new secondary materials are available. To support schools with a shortage of qualified teachers, the Board suggested using hybrid teaching models or hiring retired educators. Additionally, the CBSE has provided special exemptions for foreign nationals and students with special needs, in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. Schools must register their language choices on the OASIS portal by June 30.

Conclusion

In summary, the CBSE has introduced a new language policy that prioritizes native Indian languages and uses internal testing to support student well-being.

Learning

⚡ The 'Connective Jump' from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, you likely use simple words like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need Logical Transition Words. These are the "glue" that make your English sound professional and fluid rather than like a list of facts.

🔍 The Logic Shift

Look at these three expressions from the text. They don't just give information; they tell the reader how the ideas relate:

  1. "Consequently" →\rightarrow (A2 version: So)

    • Example: "There is no formal board exam... Consequently, no student will be prevented from taking the exam."
    • B2 Power: Use this when one thing happens because of another.

  2. "Furthermore" →\rightarrow (A2 version: And / Also)

    • Example: "Furthermore, Class 9 students will temporarily use Class 6 textbooks."
    • B2 Power: Use this to add a new, important point to your argument.

  3. "In accordance with" →\rightarrow (A2 version: Because of / Following)

    • Example: "...in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016."
    • B2 Power: Use this when you are talking about rules, laws, or official guidelines.

🛠️ Practical Application: The Upgrade

Stop saying: "I studied hard, so I passed. And I got a prize." Start saying: "I studied hard; consequently, I passed. Furthermore, I was awarded a prize."

💡 Coach's Tip

B2 fluency is not about using 'big' words; it is about using the correct link. When you write your next email or essay, replace every "and" and "so" with a transition word from the list above to immediately elevate your tone.

Vocabulary Learning

implement (v.)
Put into effect or carry out
Example:The school will implement the new language policy next year.
implement
to put into effect or carry out
Example:The CBSE will implement the new language policy next year.
requirement (n.)
A necessary condition or rule
Example:A requirement for enrollment is to have a valid ID.
requirement
something that must be done or fulfilled
Example:The requirement to study three languages is mandatory for all students.
guidelines (n.)
Instructions or rules to follow
Example:The guidelines for the exam are posted online.
guidelines
general rules or instructions
Example:The guidelines suggest using a mix of native and foreign languages.
native (adj.)
Belonging to a particular place or culture
Example:She speaks her native language fluently.
native
belonging to one's own country or language
Example:Students must choose at least two native Indian languages.
foreign (adj.)
From another country or culture
Example:They studied a foreign language to broaden their horizons.
foreign
from another country
Example:A foreign language can be taken as a third subject.
optional (adj.)
Not mandatory; can be chosen freely
Example:The third language is optional if you already have two native languages.
optional
not compulsory, can be chosen
Example:The third language is optional if the student has already chosen two native languages.
reduce (v.)
Make smaller or less intense
Example:The school aims to reduce stress among students.
stress
mental or emotional strain
Example:The new policy aims to reduce stress among students.
stress (n.)
Mental pressure or tension
Example:High test scores can cause stress.
emphasized
highlighted or stressed
Example:The CBSE emphasized that assessments will be internal.
emphasized (v.)
Gave special importance to
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of reading.
assessments
evaluations or tests
Example:Assessments for the third language will be conducted by the school.
assessment (n.)
An evaluation or test
Example:The assessment will be conducted internally.
internal
inside, not external
Example:The internal exams will be managed by the school staff.
internal (adj.)
Inside or within an organization
Example:Internal exams are held at the school.
managed
handled or supervised
Example:The internal exams will be managed by the school staff.
certificate (n.)
An official document proving completion
Example:Students receive a certificate upon completion.
certificate
official document confirming completion
Example:The results will appear on the final certificate.
formal (adj.)
Strictly official or regulated
Example:There is no formal board exam for the third language.
formal
official, following rules
Example:There is no formal board exam for the third language.
temporary (adj.)
Not permanent; short‑term
Example:Students will use temporary textbooks until new ones arrive.
prevented
stopped from happening
Example:The policy will prevent students from being barred from the Class 10 exams.
shortage (n.)
A lack or insufficient amount
Example:There is a shortage of qualified teachers.
temporary
lasting for a limited time
Example:The students will temporarily use Class 6 textbooks.
qualified (adj.)
Having the necessary skills or credentials
Example:They need qualified teachers for the program.
shortage
lack or insufficient supply
Example:Schools face a shortage of qualified teachers.
hybrid (adj.)
Combining two different methods or types
Example:Hybrid teaching models combine online and in‑person lessons.
qualified
having the necessary skills or credentials
Example:The teachers must be qualified to teach the languages.
retired (adj.)
No longer working in a job
Example:Retired educators can be hired as part‑time teachers.
retired
no longer working, former employee
Example:Retired educators can be hired to fill the gap.
special (adj.)
Different or unique in a particular way
Example:The policy includes special exemptions.
exemptions
permissions to not follow a rule
Example:The CBSE offers exemptions for foreign nationals.
exemptions (n.)
Exceptions to a rule or requirement
Example:Exemptions are granted to foreign nationals.
special
different or unique, not ordinary
Example:The policy provides special provisions for students with special needs.
rights (n.)
Entitlements or legal protections
Example:The rights of persons with disabilities are protected.
register (v.)
Record or enroll officially
Example:Students must register their choices on the portal.
portal (n.)
A gateway or website for accessing information
Example:The OASIS portal collects language selections.
policy (n.)
A set of rules or principles
Example:The new policy focuses on native languages.
prioritizes (v.)
Gives priority or precedence to
Example:The policy prioritizes native Indian languages.
well-being (n.)
Good health and overall happiness
Example:Internal testing supports student well‑being.