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Board grants one-time relaxation to current Class 9 students, exempts third language from Class 10 board exams during the transition to NEP 2020.
June 29, 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a one-time relaxation in implementing the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for the current Class 9 batch. Students who had opted for two non-native languages will be allowed to continue with the same combination by adding one Indian language as the third subject. CBSE clarified that this additional language will be assessed internally by schools and will not be part of the Class 10 board examination. The board said the decision was taken to ensure that no student faces academic disadvantage during the transition period.
The revised guidelines come after schools raised concerns over the May 15 circular, which made three languages compulsory for Class 9 students from July 1. The policy required at least two Indian languages, but many schools highlighted difficulties related to staffing, textbooks, and implementation. CBSE has now extended the same transitional relief to students currently studying in Classes 7 and 8, while confirming that the existing Class 10 batch will continue under the two-language system without any changes.
From the 2026–27 academic session onwards, students entering Class 6 will follow the three-language policy in full, with two Indian languages and a compulsory board examination for the third language when they reach Class 10. CBSE has also allowed schools to adopt flexible teaching arrangements, including virtual classes and retired teachers, to implement the policy. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the rollout, with the matter expected to be taken up in the second week of July.