To align the school education with national policy goals, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled a revised curriculum for the academic session 2026 to 2027, introducing sweeping changes across Classes 9 to 12. Among the most notable reforms is the gradual implementation of a compulsory third language, which will eventually become part of the Class 10 board examination system by 2031. As per the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), the three-language formula is to be adopted to promote multilingualism and cultural integration among students.
Under the new curriculum framework, CBSE has made it mandatory for students in Class 6 to study a third language in addition to the existing two-language system. This will be the beginning of a phased transition toward a full-fledged three-language model in secondary education. Currently, students typically study two languages, usually English and one Indian language. With the addition of a third language (referred to as R3), students will now be exposed to a broader linguistic base early in their academic journey.
According to CBSE officials, textbooks and learning materials for the third language are being developed in collaboration with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). These resources will be made available on the CBSE Academic Portal in the coming weeks. While the third language has been introduced at the middle school level, it will not immediately impact the board examinations. Instead, the policy will take full effect when the current batch of Class 6 students reach Class 10 in 2031.
One of the key concerns revolves around the interpretation of the three-language formula, particularly the requirement that students learn at least two Indian languages. In practice, many students already study English as one of their primary languages. However, under NEP 2020, English is often categorised as a foreign language. This raises questions about whether students will be required to study two additional Indian languages alongside English. This might potentially increase the academic pressure.
Recognising the unique challenges faced by CBSE-affiliated schools abroad, the board has provided certain relaxations. Schools located outside India will not be strictly required to offer two Indian languages. Instead, these institutions will have the flexibility to include one Indian language as a compulsory subject, while allowing students to choose other languages based on regional or international relevance.
Integration of Skill-Based and Holistic Learning
In addition to language reforms, CBSE has introduced several changes to promote holistic and skill-based education. Art education, vocational studies, and physical education are set to become mandatory components of the curriculum for Classes 9 and 10. For the time being, art and physical education will be assessed internally by schools and will not be part of the board examination. However, vocational education will be introduced as a compulsory subject starting from the 2027-28 academic session.
Another major highlight of the new curriculum is the inclusion of computational thinking and artificial intelligence (AI) as compulsory subjects for Classes 9 and 10. Initially, these subjects will be introduced as modules with internal assessments. However, CBSE plans to elevate them to full-fledged board examination subjects by 2029.
CBSE has also introduced a two-tier system for Mathematics and Science at the Class 9 level. Students will have the option to choose between standard and advanced levels, depending on their aptitude and interest. Those opting for the advanced level will be required to take an additional one-hour exam worth 25 marks that covers content beyond the common syllabus. The results of this advanced assessment will appear on the student’s marksheet only if they successfully clear it.
According to Praggya Singh, Director (Academics) at the Central Board of Secondary Education, textbooks are being developed jointly with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), ensuring standardised, high-quality learning material for students. The Board has also provided flexibility for CBSE-affiliated schools operating outside India. Unlike schools within the country, which are required to offer two Indian languages, international schools will only need to provide one Indian language as a compulsory subject, making the policy more adaptable to global contexts.
Further, the revised curriculum reinforces guidelines issued in a CBSE circular last year, mandating that schools must include at least one Indian language as an option for the medium of instruction from the preparatory stage through Class 12.
Also, to promote linguistic diversity, CBSE has expanded its language offerings. From the current academic session, students in Class 9 will have the option to study languages such as Dogri, Maithili, Konkani, and Santhali. With this addition, the Board will now cover all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
The reforms direct towards a gradual but comprehensive transformation of CBSE’s assessment framework. By introducing internal assessments, modular subjects, and advanced-level options, the board is moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach toward a more flexible and student-centric model.
