In a sweeping and time-bound directive, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made it mandatory for all affiliated schools to introduce a third language from Class 6 starting the 2026–27 academic session — with just seven days to implement the change.

The आदेश, issued through a fresh circular, leaves little room for delay. Schools have been instructed to begin teaching the third language immediately, even if official textbooks are yet to be released.

CBSE said several schools have already initiated the process, while the rest must ensure compliance within a week.
“It has been learnt that many schools have already initiated the implementation… All remaining schools are hereby directed to ensure compliance within 7 days,” the board stated.

The move stems from the Scheme of Studies 2026–27 and aligns with the recommendations of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which emphasizes multilingual learning.

New language structure from Class 6

Under the revised framework, students from Class 6 onwards will now study three languages — categorized as:

• R1
• R2
• R3

In practical terms, this is likely to include:

• One regional or mother tongue
• One widely used language such as Hindi or English
• One additional language (Indian or foreign, depending on the school)

CBSE has also clarified that the third language (R3) introduced in Class 6 will continue through higher classes, including Classes 9 and 10 — making early selection critical for schools and students alike.

Start teaching even without textbooks

In a significant departure from standard rollout practices, CBSE has directed schools to begin instruction without waiting for official textbooks.

While textbooks for constitutionally listed languages are expected “shortly,” schools have been told to rely on locally available books and learning materials in the interim.

“The textbooks for R3 will be made available shortly. However, schools are directed to start teaching R3 from Class 6 immediately,” the circular said.

Despite the gap in resources, schools must adhere to competency-based guidelines outlined in NCFSE-2023.

What schools must do now

CBSE has laid out a strict compliance checklist. Schools are required to:

• Introduce the third language (R3) immediately from Class 6
• Carefully select the R3 language
• Inform their respective CBSE Regional Office
• Update language details on the OASIS portal
• Use local study material until official textbooks arrive
• Ensure full implementation within 7 days

Regional Offices will track progress and collect data on language offerings.

Impact on students and schools

The new rule brings a structural shift in language education:

• Students will study three languages from Class 6
• The same third language may continue till Class 10
• Schools may extend it into board-level subjects
• Passing multiple language subjects could become mandatory, depending on the scheme

While the policy aims to promote multilingual proficiency and cultural exposure, it also raises immediate concerns around preparedness — including availability of trained teachers, choice of language, and academic load.

For schools and parents, the biggest challenge lies in executing a major curriculum shift within an exceptionally tight deadline.

Calling the directive “urgent and mandatory,” CBSE has made it clear that there will be no relaxation in timelines.

With the 2026–27 academic session approaching, the order signals a decisive transformation in language learning — one that schools must implement almost overnight.