CBSE Issues New Third Language Rules

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued fresh guidelines regarding the implementation of the Third Language (R3) for students of Classes 9 and 10. According to the new rules, an internal assessment for the third language will be mandatory for all students. CBSE clarified that passing the R3 internal assessment will be essential for students to qualify for the Class 10 examination.

However, the Board also stated that there will be no separate Class 10 board examination for the third language (R3). From the 2026–27 academic year, all students entering Class 9 will be required to study three languages. The move is aimed at strengthening multilingual education in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP).