New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant relief for students by clarifying that the revised language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will not affect the current batches of Classes 9 and 10. The decision comes amid concerns among students, parents, and educators over the implementation of the new three-language framework.
The latest clarification ensures that students preparing for their Class 10 Board examinations will not have to alter their existing subject combinations, providing much-needed certainty during a crucial academic year.
No Change for Current Class 10 Students
In fresh guidelines issued on Monday, CBSE Academics Director Praggya M. Singh confirmed that students currently studying in Class 10 during the 2026–27 academic session will continue under the existing language policy.
The official notification stated:
“There will be no change for students who are in Class X during 2026–27, and they will continue with the old system of two languages. No third language is required to be taken by this batch.”
The clarification means that students already preparing for their board examinations can continue with the same curriculum and will not be required to introduce an additional language midway through the academic session.
One-Time Relief for Current Class 9 Students
CBSE has also announced a one-time relaxation for students currently enrolled in Class 9.
Under the revised guidelines, these students will be allowed to continue with their existing language combinations, including those who have opted for two foreign languages and one Indian language. This exemption will remain valid until they complete their secondary education, ensuring that they do not have to change subjects after beginning the course.
The Board said the relaxation has been provided to facilitate a smooth transition to the revised language framework without disrupting the academic progress of ongoing batches.
Background of the New Policy
The clarification follows a CBSE circular issued in May 2026, which stated that students entering Class 9 from July 1 would be required to study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages, in accordance with the recommendations of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The announcement triggered widespread discussion among students, schools, and parents, many of whom expressed concerns about the sudden change in language requirements. The revised framework also became the subject of legal scrutiny, with several petitions reportedly being filed before the Supreme Court challenging aspects of the policy.
Transition to the Revised Framework
Before issuing the latest clarification, CBSE had already indicated that students in Classes 7, 8, and 9 who had opted for two foreign languages under the earlier three-language system would be allowed to continue with the same subject combination until the completion of Class 10.
The latest guidelines reaffirm the Board’s commitment to ensuring that students already enrolled under the previous system are not adversely affected while the revised language policy is implemented in a phased manner.
What the Decision Means
The clarification brings immediate relief to lakhs of students and their families by removing uncertainty over language requirements for the current academic cycle.
Education experts believe the transition policy will help schools implement the new framework gradually while allowing existing batches to complete their studies without unexpected curriculum changes. The move is also expected to reduce academic stress among students preparing for board examinations.
CBSE has advised schools, students, and parents to stay updated through future notifications regarding the implementation schedule for upcoming batches that will come under the revised language framework in line with NEP 2020.
