Three-Language Policy Mandatory: CBSE Directs Teaching of Third Language From July

New Delhi: The CBSE has issued strict instructions to its affiliated schools to begin classes for a third language as part of the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP). Schools have been directed to implement the new system starting July 1.

The move follows a directive issued last month mandating the introduction of a third language for students in Class 6 from the current academic year. Schools that have not yet selected the third language must complete the process by May 31 and update the details on the CBSE’s online portal.

CBSE has stated that official textbooks for languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution will be made available on the websites of NCERT and CBSE before July 1. In cases where schools opt for languages not included in the constitutional list, they may use textbooks prescribed by state education boards, provided they comply with existing guidelines.

Under the revised curriculum framework, the three-language policy requires that at least two of the languages studied must be Indian languages. The policy will become fully mandatory from the 2026–27 academic year. Beginning with Class 6 this year, the system will be progressively extended to higher classes each year.

CBSE indicated that by 2031—when the current batch of Class 6 students appears for their Class 10 board examinations—the three-language formula will be fully implemented across the country. In addition to the mother tongue and English or another Indian language, students will be required to study a third language, which must also be an Indian language.