CBSE's 3-Language Formula: Compulsory third language in Class 6; English No Longer Mandatory In Schools

New Delhi: The new curriculum of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new formula of three languages (R3) compulsory ​​for Class 6 students. With the start of the 2026-27 academic session, from Class 6 onwards, it will be mandatory to study two Indian languages ​​out of three languages. 

What is three-language formula? 

Under the National Education Policy (NEP), this decision of CBSE will bring about a major change in school education from the academic session 2026-27. However, how will the second Indian language be decided? The board has left this to the schools.

According to the new language system released by the CBSE board, students in Class 6 will now study two Indian languages ​​among the three languages. The language subject is divided into R1 (primary language), R2 (second language), and R3 (third language). 

According to the rule, at least two of the three languages ​​must be Indian languages.

The curriculum issued by the CBSE states that, "As per the recommendations of NCF-SE-2023, two out of these three languages must be languages native to India."

The Board has also listed 44 language options, covering all languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Will English be foreign language? 

In the three-language formula released by CBSE, studying two Indian languages ​​is mandatory, while English has been included as a foreign language option. This means that now students can choose English as their third language in addition to two Indian languages, or they may not. 

Third language (R3) books will be introduced from Class 6 in 2026-17 and extended progressively to Class 10 by 2030-31. Students appearing for Class 10 board exams in 2031 will be the first cohort to be assessed under the full three-language system. .

The NEP 2020 recommends that students learn three languages ​​by Class 10, compared to the current system where they study two.

What about Class 9 students?

CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh said that the third language will not be mandatory for Class 9 students immediately. 

"R3 level textbooks will be introduced in Class 6 this year. They will write their board exams in 2031, and that's when the entire scheme will change, and the three-language formula will be entirely implemented," he said.

"The 2027 board exams will be the last as per the current language textbooks. In 2028, exams will be held for two days-one each for R1 and R2. From 2031 onwards, exams will be held over three days for R1, R2 and R3," Singh said.