New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has said that students in Classes 7, 8, and 9 who chose two foreign languages under the current three-language rule can keep the same subjects until they finish Class 10. This news is good for students and parents who were worried about changing subjects in the middle of school.
There were concerns about a CBSE circular from May that said students starting Class 9 from July 1 had to study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages. The announcement helps thousands of students and parents who were scared they would have to change their subjects.
No Changes for Existing Students
Ministry sources said the new language requirement will start from Class 6 for students and will not affect those already in Classes 7, 8, and 9. Officials said that studying two languages will be required from Class 6 for future batches, so existing students are not affected. The clarification comes after parents and students protested, and several petitions are currently before the Supreme Court.
Government Says Policy Is Still the Same. The Ministry of Education said the latest clarification does not mean the three-language policy has changed. Officials said this provision was always part of the plan but was not clearly explained in the circular. The ministry said the clarification just makes sure existing students can finish school without changing their subjects.
Few Students Affected
Education Ministry sources said about 24 lakh students take the CBSE Class 10 exams every year, and around 30,000 students currently study two foreign languages. Officials think that 98.5 per cent of CBSE students already follow the three-language rule, so the clarification only applies to a small number of students, mainly in big city schools.
Supreme Court Challenge Continues
The clarification comes after the Supreme Court did not grant relief on petitions challenging the new language policy for the 2026-27 academic session.
Formal orders, with the clarification will be issued soon.
The government says the National Curriculum Framework will guide future language education reforms while ensuring current students can finish school without changing their subjects.
