‘No one will suffer’: CBSE offers trilingual instruction, does not allow existing Class X students

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued detailed guidelines explaining how the principle of third language will be implemented for students in different classes under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The organization said that its focus will remain on learning languages ​​in a practical way and that no student will suffer because of the new system.For students studying in Class IX during the 2026-27 academic year, the third language (R3) will be assessed only through internal tests. There will be no CBSE Board examination for the third language when these students reach Class X in 2027-28. CBSE and NCERT will also provide grade-appropriate study materials to help students learn the language.The board has also clarified the rules for students who are currently in class VII and VIII. When these students move to Class IX and X, they will continue to learn three languages, two of which are Bhartiya Bhashas.As a relief, students in the current Class VII and Class VIII groups who have already chosen and started learning two non-native languages ​​will only add Bhartiya Bhasha and continue learning it up to Class X. As in the current Class IX group, the third language will be evaluated through an internal school examination, and there will be no CBSE Board examination.For students studying in Class VI in the academic year 2026-27 and those who join later batches, two out of the three languages ​​should be Bhartiya Bhashas. Unlike the previous groups, these students will go on to write the Board examination in the third language (R3) when they reach Class X. CBSE has said that the dedicated books for Class VI of Bhartiya Bhashas all 22 prepared are available by NCERT.The organization has also announced that people are not allowed to stop following the principles of three languages. Children with Special Needs (CwSN) will continue to receive relief and exemptions as provided under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016. CBSE schools outside India are not allowed to offer Hindi as a third language. Foreign students returning to India are no longer allowed to study an Indian language as a third language.CBSE has also reported on the trend of family migration. If parents or guardians move, students can continue learning the third language they chose in the middle stage even after reaching Class IX. Schools have been asked to provide necessary resources to support such students.To help schools implement these policies, the CBSE has allowed staff turnover arrangements. Schools can use existing skilled teachers, retired teachers, graduate teachers, Sahodaya school groups by sharing teachers, and traditional or hybrid teaching methods.The board said the guidelines have been issued to align school curriculum with the NEP 2020 and protect the interests of students. It also stated that the aim is to make learning a fun and meaningful language rather than an exam. CBSE said it will continue to support schools through learning materials and skill development programs and has asked schools to communicate this effectively to students, parents and teachers while highlighting the long-term benefits of multilingual learning and cultural stability.