CBSE’s support for three-language program: 7-9 students allowed to continue with two foreign languages ​​- report

The Center has also clarified that CBSE students currently studying in Class VII, VIII and IX who have opted for two foreign languages ​​under the three language policy will be allowed to continue with the same course till Class X, Education Ministry sources told ANI.The clarification comes weeks after a CBSE circular issued in May said that from July 1, students entering class seven from the 2026-27 academic session must learn three languages, at least two of which are Indian languages, in line with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). The circular sparked protests from some students and parents, with complaints filed in the Supreme Court.According to Ministry sources, the requirement to learn at least two Indian languages ​​will apply to students who join class VI in future. It will not be repeated for students who are already studying in class VII, VIII and IX.“The requirement to study at least two Indian languages ​​as part of the trilingual system will be implemented from Class VI and will no longer apply to students already studying in classes VII, VIII and IX,” he said.However, the clarification should not be seen as a reversal of the process. “It’s not going back. This was already there; it wasn’t clear. There wasn’t enough clarity, and this is just to clarify,” a senior official at the Ministry of Education, says.“About 98.5 percent of CBSE students already follow the three-language policy. We are taking exception to these cases,” he added. Clarification orders are expected to be issued soon.The clarification comes a week after the Supreme Court refused to grant interim relief to a petition challenging the implementation of CBSE’s three-language policy for Class IX students from the 2026-27 academic session. A Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana refused to stay the point and ordered that the petition be listed with similar complaints pending before the court.The controversy started after the CBSE’s May circular approved the provisions of the National Curriculum Framework, which requires students entering class eight from the 2026-27 academic year to learn three languages, including two Indian languages. The move caused concern among students who had already opted for two foreign languages ​​under the old system.