CBSE Softens Language Policy: Current Class 10 Exempt, Board Exams Eased for Juniors

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has just dropped new guidelines for its three-language policy, bringing some much-needed clarity and relief, especially for older students. In a big move, the current Class 10 batch for the 2026-27 academic session is completely out of the new policy's scope, meaning they'll stick with their existing two-language system. This decision comes after earlier announcements caused a stir among students and parents, making sure no one gets caught off guard by sudden changes. Under the new rules, which align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, students currently in Classes 7, 8, and 9 will also get a major break: they won't have to sit for a CBSE Board examination in their third language when they reach Class 10. For these students, the third language will be assessed internally by their schools, reducing exam pressure. There's also a special one-time relaxation for those in Classes 7-9 already studying two foreign languages; they can continue but must add one Bhartiya Bhasha (native Indian language) to their curriculum. The full force of the three-language policy, requiring two Bhartiya Bhashas and a Board exam for the third language, will only apply to students entering Class 6 from the 2026-27 academic session onwards. This phased approach aims to promote multilingualism and a deeper appreciation for Indian languages without creating undue stress for students already mid-way through their secondary education. NCERT is busy preparing new textbooks in 22 scheduled Indian languages to support this rollout.