Big Change in school language Curriculum from 2026‑27
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major change in the language learning structure for students. From the 2026‑27 academic session, students in Class 6 will be required to study three languages instead of two as part of the new language policy.
What Is the New Three‑Language System?
Under the revised policy, every Class 6 student will study:
✔ Three languages — up from the current two.
✔ At least two of the three languages must be Indian languages (such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, etc.).
✔ One language can be a foreign language, including English.
English, which is widely taught from early grades, will now be treated as a “foreign language” under this structure, meaning students will learn it alongside two indian languages.
Foreign language Options
If a school offers another foreign language — such as French or German — as part of the curriculum, students must still study two indian languages in addition to the foreign language.
Why This Change Is Being Made
This new system is part of implementing the National education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for school education (NCFSE) 2023. The aim is to encourage multilingual learning, strengthen cultural connections, and build better communication skills among students.
Extension to Higher Classes and Board Exams
The change is expected to roll out gradually through middle and secondary classes:
- Initially introduced in Class 6.
- All three languages may continue through Classes 9 and 10 in later years.
- From the 2031 Class 10 Board exams, students might have to take an exam in all three languages, compared with the current requirement of only two.
New Textbooks and Teaching Support
To support this major change, CBSE is preparing new textbooks and learning materials for multiple languages ahead of the 2026‑27 session. Learning materials are expected to include languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Gujarati, and Bangla, among others.
What This Means for students and Parents
This updated language policy will:
- Promote multilingual proficiency from a young age.
- Help students connect with their cultural heritage.
- Increase overall language skills and communication ability.
Parents and students should stay in touch with their schools to understand how the new language system will be implemented locally and which languages will be offered.
Disclaimer:
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