The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced revised language assessment guidelines as part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). These changes will apply to students who enter Class 10 from the 2027–28 academic session onward.

Mandatory School Assessment for Third Language (R3)

Students will need to successfully complete the third language (R3) through a school-based assessment to receive the Secondary School Examination Pass Certificate. While passing this assessment is compulsory, the third language will not be included as a CBSE board examination subject.

Those who do not qualify in the initial assessment will be given another opportunity to improve their performance before the Class 10 results are finalized.

Continuation of Language Choices

Students will continue with the same three-language combination selected in Class 8 when they move into Class 9. One of these languages will be designated as the third language (R3) for assessment purposes.

To assist schools and learners, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has published dedicated R3 language learning resources on its official website.

Language Requirements for Class IX (2026–27)

Students beginning Class IX in the 2026–27 academic year will study three languages. At least two of these must be Indian languages, unless a student qualifies for an approved exemption or relaxation.

Examples of Indian languages include:

• Hindi
• Sanskrit
• Tamil
• Telugu
• Kannada
• Malayalam
• Marathi
• Bengali
• Punjabi
• Gujarati
• Odia
• Assamese

Examples of foreign or non-Indian languages include:

• English
• French
• German
• Arabic
• Spanish

No Change for Current Class X Students

Students studying in Class X during the 2026–27 academic session will continue under the existing curriculum. This batch will follow the current two-language system and will not be required to study or complete a third language.

How the Third Language will be Evaluated

The third language will be assessed entirely through an internal evaluation conducted by the school. Students covered under the revised policy will not appear for a separate CBSE board examination for this subject when they reach Class X. The assessment framework introduced in Class IX will continue through Class X.