Campus Times | Lucknow

In a significant relief for students and parents, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has revised its three language policy, introducing key relaxations for students currently studying in Classes 7 to 10. The latest guidelines exempt the current batch of Class 10 students from complying with the revised language requirement and provide transitional flexibility for students presently in Class 9.

The move comes weeks after the board announced the mandatory implementation of the three language formula from July 1, triggering concerns among students, parents and educational stakeholders.

Current class 10 students exempt

According to the revised guidelines, students currently studying in Class 10 will not be required to follow the new three language policy. Additionally, students in the existing Classes 7, 8 and 9 will not have to appear for a board examination in the third language when they reach Class 10.

CBSE officials described the decision as a transitional measure to ensure that students already enrolled under the previous academic framework are not adversely affected by the policy change.

Special relaxation for current class 9 students

The board has also announced a one time relaxation for students entering the 2026–27 academic session in Class 9. These students will continue studying three languages but will be allowed to choose two foreign (non Indian) languages along with one Indian language as the third language.

The relaxation aims to provide a smoother transition while the revised language framework is rolled out across schools.

Earlier, CBSE had proposed making three languages compulsory for Class 9 students, with at least two being native Indian languages. The announcement prompted legal challenges from several students and parents, who approached the courts seeking relief.

Two level mathematics and science

Alongside the language policy changes, CBSE is moving ahead with broader curriculum reforms. Beginning with the 2026–27 academic session, students in Class 9 will have two levels in Mathematics and Science, a compulsory Standard level and an optional Advanced level.

All students will take a common 80 mark examination, while those opting for the Advanced level will appear for an additional paper designed to assess deeper conceptual understanding and higher order thinking skills.

The first Class 10 board examinations under this two level system are scheduled for 2028, covering students who enter Class 9 in the 2026–27 academic session.

Foreign language option retained

CBSE has also maintained that students wishing to study a foreign language may choose it either as the third language after studying two Indian languages or opt for it as an additional fourth language, in line with the revised academic framework.