CBSE set to introduce 3-language policy; English as ‘foreign’ option for Class 6

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce a third language option for Class 6 students alongside the existing two Indian languages from 2026-27 academic session. CBSE will implement the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which includes the addition of a third language in the curriculum.

According to The Indian Express reports, English will be considered a “foreign” language. However, as per NEP policy, two of the three languages should be “native to India.”

In schools where English is offered in Class 6, will be treated as the single “foreign” language permitted, alongside two Indian languages. If a different foreign language – such as French or German – is introduced as the third language in Class 6, students will still be required to study two Indian languages in addition to it.

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The move will pave the way for the third language to be made mandatory all the way until Class 10 in later years. NCFSE also recommends that all three languages continue in Classes 9 and 10.

Students appearing for the CBSE Class 10 board exams 2031 will have to write an exam for the third language as well, as per reports.

CBSE’s 3-language policy for Class 6

NCFSE states that the third language is introduced during Classes 6–8 and must be allotted sufficient time for students to develop basic interpersonal communication skills.

The three-language formula under NEP 2020 requires students to study three languages, of which at least two must be Indian languages. The policy applies to both government and private schools and gives states the flexibility to choose the languages without any imposition.

It also states that the medium of instruction should be the home language, mother tongue, local language, or regional language at least until Class 5, and preferably up to Class 8 and beyond.