CBSE Adjusts Three Language Policy for Classes 7 to 9, Permits Two Foreign Language Options

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant relaxation to its three-language policy for students in Classes 7, 8, and 9, permitting the inclusion of two foreign language options. This change will ease the language requirement, allowing greater flexibility for students to choose languages that best suit their interests and career aspirations.

Additionally, the CBSE has clarified that the current batch of Class 10 students will be exempt from adhering to the three-language policy guidelines set to be implemented for the academic year 2026-27. This exemption alleviates immediate pressure on students already facing critical examinations.

Amidst these developments, there has been pushback from certain state educational authorities, particularly in Karnataka, where the state school body has expressed strong opposition to the inclusion of Kannada as a third language under the new guidelines, insisting that it should not be mandated.

Overall, the changes to the three-language policy reflect an ongoing effort by CBSE to accommodate diverse linguistic backgrounds while providing students with the freedom to explore their language preferences. As the educational landscape evolves, these updates signify an alignment with changing societal needs and student-oriented approaches in language education within India.