Under the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) new three-language policy, foreign languages are steadily disappearing from school timetables as institutions begin to comply with the revised guidelines.
Starting from the 2026–27 academic session, CBSE has stated that students in Class 6 will be required to study three languages. As per the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, at least two of these must be regional languages and one a foreign language. This policy aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
According to EdexLive, as schools start putting this change into practice, many institutions are dropping foreign language options in Class 6 and introducing Sanskrit or regional languages instead. With only one foreign language allowed, most parents and students are choosing English, leaving almost no demand for languages like German or French.
Foreign languages had been popular, particularly among students planning to pursue higher education abroad. Students who are interested in studying overseas still seek exposure to languages such as German and French.
Taking to microblogging platform, social media users have questioned the why the policy has been mandated with some stating second and third languages are just to be studied so as to pass in them.
Why CBSE is trying to mandate the child choice of foreign Language? @EduMinOfIndia When a child wants to learn German, then why Govt wants to interfere? It’s my right to education.
— Nitin Arora (@realnitinarora) April 22, 2026
Hindi is compulsory as second or third language in CBSE schools upto class 10. But without a learning environment, it is a subject to be passed.
— 文罗摩 (@wenluomo) April 23, 2026
@rashtrapatibhvn Hon’ble President, Childrens should be made for global https://t.co/PmH42xZYlf in need of reforms in cbse 3 language.
•1st– English language
•2nd–State language or Hindi (choice)
•3rd –Foreign language
Please @narendramodi sir🙏🏻 @revanth_anumula @cbseindia29— VamsiBhagavathula✳️ (@Ich_bin_Vamsi) April 22, 2026
The policy change has also unsettled foreign language teachers. Although their skills are still needed for now, schools are uncertain about their long-term roles. Some institutions are encouraging these teachers to upskill or obtain qualifications in other subjects to stay relevant.
What about the foreign language teachers getting unemployed after NEP by cbse?
— anakshi ummat (@anakshi_ummat) April 22, 2026
The rollout will be gradual, with full implementation expected by 2031, the Board has stated. However, in the absence of textbooks, CBSE has instructed schools to begin teaching using locally available books and material.
