CBSE Exempts Current Class 10 Students from Revised Three-Language Policy; Class 9 Gets One-Time Relaxation

The decision comes as a major relief for students and families preparing for the Class 10 board exams, following concerns over the implementation of the revised language framework.

No Change for Current Class 10 Students

In fresh guidelines issued on Monday, CBSE Academics Director Praggya M. Singh clarified that there will be no change for the current Class 10 batch.

The official notification states:

“There will be no change for students who are in Class X during 2026–27, and they will continue with the old system of two languages. No third language is required to be taken by this batch.”

This clarification ensures that students already preparing for their board examinations will not have to adjust to new language requirements midway through the academic cycle.

One-Time Relief for Current Class 9 Students

CBSE has also granted a one-time relaxation to students currently studying in Class 9.

Under the revised guidelines, these students may continue with their existing subject combination of two foreign languages and one Indian language, allowing them to complete their secondary education without changing their chosen language subjects.

The move is intended to provide a smooth transition while the Board gradually implements the revised language policy.

Why Did CBSE Issue the Clarification?

The latest announcement follows a CBSE circular issued in May 2026, which stated that students entering Class 9 from July 1 would be required to study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages, in line with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The earlier directive led to concerns among students, parents and educators. Several petitions were also filed before the Supreme Court questioning aspects of the revised language policy.

Transition to the New Language Framework

Before issuing the latest clarification, CBSE had already stated that students in Classes 7, 8 and 9 who had opted for two foreign languages under the earlier three-language system would be allowed to continue with the same combination until they completed Class 10.

The new guidelines further reinforce CBSE’s commitment to ensuring that ongoing batches are not adversely affected during the transition to the revised language framework.

What the New Guidelines Mean

The latest decision provides certainty for students currently in Classes 9 and 10 while allowing CBSE to move ahead with implementing the language policy envisioned under NEP 2020.

Education experts believe the transitional relief will help reduce academic uncertainty and allow students to focus on their studies without facing unexpected curriculum changes.

Students and parents are advised to follow future CBSE notifications for updates regarding the implementation timeline for upcoming batches.