CBSE to implement 3-language policy for Class 6; English to count as ‘foreign’ language

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to roll out a three-language policy for Class 6 students starting from the 2026–27 academic session. The move is part of implementing the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE 2023).

Under the new structure, students in Class 6 will study three languages instead of two. As per reports, English will be treated as a ‘foreign’ language and at least two of the three languages studied must be native to India.

Third language from Class 6

According to reports, CBSE will introduce the third language option in Class 6 to Class 8, giving students enough time to develop basic communication skills. The NCFSE recommends that adequate classroom time be provided so students can build basic interpersonal communication abilities in the additional language.

Under NEP 2020, students must study three languages during school. However, at least two of these must be Indian languages. The policy applies to both government and private schools while giving states flexibility to decide which languages to offer without imposing any particular language.

If a school offers English in Class 6, it will be treated as the single ‘foreign’ language permitted, alongside two Indian languages. In cases where a different foreign language, such as French or German is introduced students will still have to study two Indian languages in addition to that foreign language.

Mandatory till Class 10

The policy is expected to gradually extend the third language requirement up to Class 10. The NCFSE recommends that all three languages continue in Class 9 and Class 10 as well. Students who appear for the CBSE Class 10 board exams in 2031 are likely to write an exam in the third language too, according to reports.

The NEP 2020 also states that the medium of instruction should preferably be the home language, mother tongue, local language or regional language at least until Class 5 and ideally up to Class 8 and beyond.