The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made it compulsory for Class 9 students to study three languages. This new three language policy will come into effect from July 1, 2026. From the new academic
session, Class 9 students will have to study three languages (R1, R2, R3). At least two of these three languages must be Indian languages.
ALSO READ | CBSE’s 3-Language Formula For Class 9: What Is R1, R2, R3? What Has Changed? What Hasn’t?
However, this has raised concerns among students and parents, who said this would be an additional burden to the students. They added that it will increase pressure among students and demanded it be rolled back. “Dear CBSE, please reconsider the compulsory 3-language rule for Classes 9 & 10,” said one X user. While another user said “In the time AI and ROBOTICS we are playing language language game in INDIA.”
Do not see any value add in 3 language compulsion #cbse #ncert #nep2020 apart from loading the kids with more pressure learning should be fun not stressful why can’t we keep it simple please #rethink
— Sailaja S P (@sailajasp) April 22, 2026
Lives of hardworking children is being destroyed. They (CBSE, Ministry) are experimenting with the next generation. Paper leak, wrong marking, constant changes to the 3 language formula. No one seems to be bothered.
— Shashi Singh (@shashisingh80) May 17, 2026
Dear CBSE, please reconsider the compulsory 3-language rule for Classes 9 & 10. Students are already under enough academic pressure. This decision will only add more stress, confusion, and burden for children, parents, and schools. Please roll it back. #CBSE #NarendraModi
— Shikha Arora (@arorashikha27) May 16, 2026
@narendramodi Namaste modi ji
what is happening modi ji , I’m so depressed my daughter is in class X this year she is so sad today because of you due to your 3 language policy compulsion by cbse .In the time AI and ROBOTICS we are playing language language game in INDIA .— Ruchi Bansal (@RuchiBa28024875) May 16, 2026
Schools can offer the option to choose any language from the CBSE approved list. Foreign languages can only be chosen as a third or fourth optional language. However, CBSE has clarified that no external board exam will be conducted for the third language (R3) in Class 10. The entire assessment for the third language will be entirely internal at the school level. Students’ performance in this exam will be reflected in the CBSE’s final certificate. The board has also clarified that no student will be barred from taking the Class 10 board exam due to their third language.
CBSE has acknowledged that many schools may face a shortage of teachers for the new language. To address this issue, the board has provided schools with several interim options. Schools can share resources, conduct virtual or hybrid classes, and may also hire retired teachers or qualified postgraduates to teach the language. Until new textbooks are available for the secondary level, students will temporarily learn the third language from Class 6 textbooks.
