CBSE Makes 3 Languages Compulsory for Class 9 From July 2026: Full List of Languages Students Can Choose From
CBSE makes three languages compulsory for Class 9 from July 1, 2026. Check the full list of 19 approved native Indian languages and what the new policy means for students and parents.
The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced a landmark shift in its language policy, making the study of three languages mandatory for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026. The decision, formalised through a circular issued on May 15, 2026, will apply to the 2026-27 academic session and marks a significant step in implementing the National Education Policy's three-language formula across CBSE schools nationwide.
What Has CBSE Changed in Its Language Policy?
Under the revised framework, Class 9 students will be required to study three languages designated as R1, R2, and R3. CBSE has made it clear that at least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages. Students wishing to study a foreign language may do so only as the third language option, provided the other two choices are Indian languages. Foreign languages may also be taken as an optional fourth subject. CBSE Makes Three-Language Study Compulsory in Classes 9-10, Exempts Third Language From Board Exam.
Importantly, while three languages will be compulsory in the Class 9 syllabus, there will be no Class 10 board examination for the third language.
Why Is CBSE Adopting a Transitional Approach?
Since the 2026-27 academic session had already commenced in April, CBSE has opted for a transitional approach to align its Scheme of Studies with the NCERT syllabus while rolling out the new structure smoothly. Earlier CBSE communications had outlined that the three-language formula would be implemented from Class 6 upwards, reaching Class 10 by 2030-31. The May 15 circular formalises the enforcement timeline specifically for Classes 9 and 10. CBSE Digital Evaluation Issues 2026: How To Apply for Rechecking and Re-Verification.
CBSE Makes Three Languages Must for Class 9 From July 2026
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made the study of three languages compulsory for students from Class IX beginning July 1, 2026, while clarifying that there will be no Board examination for the third language (R3) in Class X.
In a circular issued on May 15,… pic.twitter.com/D1jlOPbqXQ
— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2026
Full List of Native Indian Languages Students Can Choose From
CBSE and NCERT have approved the following native Indian languages under the three-language policy:
- Assamese
- Bengali
- Bodo
- Dogri
- Gujarati
- Kannada
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Maithili
- Malayalam
- Manipuri
- Marathi
- Nepali
- Odia
- Punjabi
- Santhali
- Sindhi
- Tamil
- Telugu (AP and Telangana)
Students must select at least two languages from this approved list as part of their mandatory R1, R2, and R3 language subjects.
What Does This Mean for Students and Parents?
The policy change means families and schools must plan language subject selections carefully ahead of the July 1, 2026 implementation date. Students interested in foreign languages such as French, German, or Spanish can still pursue them, but only alongside two Indian language choices. Full details of the updated scheme are available on the official CBSE academic portal at cbseacademic.nic.in.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 16, 2026 06:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
