CBSE 3 Language Policy: No Board Exam for R3; Board Clarifies

CBSE 3 Language Policy: No Board Exam for R3; Board Clarifies

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Anangsha
Anangsha Patra
Deputy Manager – Editorial
New Delhi, Updated on May 16, 2026 23:56 IST
CBSE has made studying three languages compulsory for Classes 9 and 10 from July 1, 2026. CBSE has clarified that though third language will be compulsory, students are not required to appear for Class 10 board exams. All assessments will be school-based and internal. The performance of students will reflect in the CBSE certificate.

CBSE has made studying three languages compulsory for Classes 9 and 10 from July 1, 2026. CBSE has clarified that though third language will be compulsory, students are not required to appear for Class 10 board exams. 

CBSE 3 Language Policy: No Board Exam for R3; Board Clarifies

CBSE 3 Language Policy: No Board Exam for R3; Board Clarifies

The Central Board of Secondary Education has made studying three languages compulsory for Classes 9 and 10 from July 1, 2026. This move aligns with recommendations of National Education Policy and National Curriculum framework for school education. According to a circular issued by the board, students in Class 9 must study three languages-R1, R2 and R3 with two of them being native languages. CBSE has clarified that though third language will be compulsory, students are not required to appear for Class 10 board exams. 

No Board Exam for Third Language

The Board has made third language compulsory for Class 10. However, students are not required to appear for Class 10 exam. The decision has been taken to reduce academic pressure and focus on learning the language rather than examination performance. All assessments will be school-based and internal. The performance of students will reflect in the CBSE certificate. The Board also confirmed no student will be prevented from appearing in Class 10 board exam because of third language. 
The three-language formula was recommended by NEP with an aim to promote linguistic diversity.

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Anangsha Patra
Deputy Manager – Editorial
Anangsha Patra is MA in Mass Communication & Journalism with more than 10 years of experience in the field of Journalism, Content Writing and Editing. At Shiksha.Com, she works as Deputy Manager-Content for the Sark
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