A major curriculum reform by the Central Board of Secondary Education is reshaping how languages are taught in schools, with French and German gradually being replaced by Sanskrit and regional languages under the new three-language policy.
The change, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, is already being implemented from the 2026–27 academic session, starting with Class 6.
What Has Changed in the CBSE Language Policy?
Under the new rules, a third language (R3) is now compulsory from Class 6, marking a significant shift from the earlier flexible approach.
Key highlights include:
- Students must study three languages from Class 6 onwards
- At least two of these must be Indian languages
- The third language will continue till Class 10 for the same batch
For most English-medium schools, English already counts as a non-Indian language. This effectively leaves no room for foreign languages like French or German as a third language option.
Why French and German Are Being Phased Out
The new curriculum prioritises Indian languages to promote multilingualism and cultural connection.
Since the rule mandates two Indian languages, schools are now offering options such as:
- Sanskrit
- Hindi
- Tamil
- Bengali
- Marathi
- Punjabi
As a result, foreign languages are being discontinued as mainstream third-language subjects, especially in Class 6.
Many schools have already informed parents that French will no longer be offered, replacing it with combinations like Hindi, Sanskrit, and English.
Implementation Timeline and Long-Term Impact
- Policy begins with Class 6 in 2026–27
- The same group will carry the third language till Class 10
- Full implementation will be visible by 2030–31, when this batch reaches board exams
Experts say that by 2030, foreign languages may be almost completely phased out as formal subjects in CBSE schools.
Schools Grapple With Sudden Transition
The rollout has not been without challenges. Schools across cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune are facing practical issues such as:
- Sudden curriculum changes after the academic session began
- Students already purchasing books for French/German
- Difficulty in restructuring timetables and resources
Some institutions are now offering foreign languages only as club activities or optional modules, rather than core subjects.
What Happens to Foreign Language Teachers?
One of the biggest concerns is the future of teachers who specialise in foreign languages.
Schools are exploring options such as:
- Retaining them for higher classes temporarily
- Offering foreign languages as extracurricular activities
- Encouraging teachers to upskill (B.Ed., CTET) for other subjects
The transition period may last a few years, but long-term uncertainty remains.
Impact on Students and Parents
For students and parents, the change brings both opportunities and concerns:
Positives
- Promotes multilingual learning
- Strengthens understanding of regional and cultural roots
- Aligns with national education reforms
Concerns
- Reduced exposure to global languages like French and German
- Limited flexibility in choosing preferred languages
- Adjustment challenges for existing students
The Bigger Picture: NEP 2020 Vision
The reform is part of a broader push under NEP 2020 to:
- Encourage linguistic diversity
- Promote Indian languages in education
- Move towards holistic and culturally rooted learning
The three-language formula is designed to ensure that students gain functional proficiency in multiple languages, not just academic knowledge.
