From the upcoming 2026-27 academic session, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to implement a revised three-language formula starting Class 6 in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023. Under this new structure, at least two of the three languages taught in schools must be native Indian languages, and English will be categorised as a “foreign” language for the purpose of compliance with this mandate.
What the New Three-Language Framework Means
🌐 English as a “Foreign” Language Option
Under the revised policy, for schools that already teach English from Class 6, English will count as one foreign language option. Students must then select two additional Indian languages to meet the three-language requirement. This aligns with the NEP’s principle that at least two of the languages must be native to India.
Should a school wish to offer another foreign language (such as French or German) in Class 6, that choice can only be made along with two Indian languages — English or any other — to comply with the Indian language requirement.
📖 Mandate Progression: Class 6 to Class 10
While the immediate rollout begins with Class 6, recommendations suggest the three-language system may extend through Classes 9 and 10, meaning students in future cohorts could be studying three languages throughout middle and secondary schooling. The Class 10 Board examination by 2031 might include a third language paper, marking a major shift from the current two-language exam structure.
To support this, the CBSE is preparing learning materials and textbooks for Class 6 in nine different languages — including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Gujarati and Bangla — to ensure quality instruction from the outset.
Why This Change Is Significant
✍️ Promoting Multilingualism
The drive for three languages is rooted in the NEP’s goal of multilingual education and cultural grounding. Language learning, beyond communication skills, is seen as a way to help students connect with diverse Indian cultures, heritage, and traditions.
🧩 Preserving Linguistic Diversity
Reclassifying English as a “foreign” language ensures that regional languages and Indian linguistic heritage gain central importance in early education while still allowing English and other foreign languages as optional choices.
Implementation and Expectations
- 📌 Start: 2026-27 academic session for Class 6
- 📌 Languages: At least two must be Indian languages
- 📌 English: Treated as a foreign language option
- 📌 Foreign Languages: Can be offered but must be alongside two Indian languages
- 📌 Class 10 Boards: May eventually include the third language as an examination subject
- 📌 Materials: CBSE preparing textbooks and syllabus for multiple Indian languages
