Key Facts at a Glance
- Board: CBSE
- Applies to: Class 9, session 2026-27
- Third language (R3): Compulsory from 1 July 2026
- Board exam in R3: No — school assessment only
- R3 marks: 100, school-based
- Class 10 (2026-27): No change — two languages
- Official source: cbseacademic.nic.in (Circulars Acad-33/46/49 of 2026)
CBSE’s three-language policy means Class 9 students now study three languages, but there is no board exam in the third language for the current batch. The third language, known as R3, is assessed by the school only. This article explains the R3 rules, who they apply to, and what parents and students should do next.
What Is the CBSE Three-Language Policy?
Under the CBSE three-language policy, three languages are compulsory in Class 9 from 1 July 2026. At least two of the three languages must be Bhartiya Bhashas — Indian languages. This follows the three-language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, under which students learn three languages, at least two of them native to India. No specific language is prescribed.
The policy was set out in CBSE Circular Acad-33/2026, dated 15 May 2026. CBSE Circular Acad-46/2026, dated 2 July 2026, set out the R3 assessment framework: 100 marks, entirely school-based, with oral-first pedagogy based on listening and speaking. CBSE Circular Acad-49/2026, dated 10 July 2026, gives the consolidated guidelines and is the governing document. CBSE also issued a press release on 29 June 2026.
To be clear about today’s news: the governing circular is Acad-49/2026, dated 10 July 2026. The news on 9 November 2026 reports CBSE’s clarification and one-time transition plan. No new circular was issued on 9 November 2026.
NCERT provides grade-appropriate R3 learning resources, available at ncert.nic.in.
What Class 9 Students Must Do in 2026-27
In session 2026-27, Class 9 students study three languages. The third language, R3, carries 100 marks and is assessed entirely by the school, with an oral-first approach that gives importance to listening and speaking. There will be no CBSE board examination in R3 when this batch reaches Class 10 in 2027-28. However, students must clear the R3 school-based assessment in Class 10 to receive the CBSE Secondary School Examination Pass Certificate.
For the 2026-27 Class 9 batch, CBSE has given a one-time relaxation for choosing R3:
- Students studying two foreign languages, for example English and French, may continue both, but must add one Bhartiya Bhasha as R3.
- Students with two Indian languages may choose another Indian language or a non-native language, such as English, French or German, as R3.
- Students with one Indian language and one foreign language must add another Bhartiya Bhasha as R3.
Class 10 in 2026-27 is not affected. It continues with two languages, with no third language at all.
Class-Wise Rules at a Glance
| Class | What Applies |
|---|---|
| Class 6 | The 2026-27 batch and later batches will sit the Class 10 board exam in R3. |
| Classes 7 and 8 | Same relaxation as Class 9 in 2026-27: R3 is assessed by the school only, with no board exam in R3 when they reach Class 10. |
| Class 9 | Studies three languages in 2026-27. R3 is 100 marks, school-based only. No board exam in R3 in Class 10 in 2027-28, but students must clear the R3 school assessment in Class 10 to receive the CBSE Secondary School Examination Pass Certificate. |
| Class 10 | No change in 2026-27. Continues with two languages and no third language at all. |
What If a Student Does Not Clear R3?
If a Class 9 student does not qualify in the R3 school assessment, they are still promoted to Class 10 in 2027-28. They must clear the Class 9 R3 assessment while they are in Class 10. Clearing R3 matters in Class 10, because students must clear the R3 school-based assessment in Class 10 to receive the CBSE Secondary School Examination Pass Certificate.
Who Is Exempt?
The compulsory Indian third language does not apply to everyone. The exemptions are:
- Children with special needs, under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- CBSE-affiliated schools outside India.
- Foreign students returning to India.
If you are unsure whether an exemption applies to your child, check with the school and the official CBSE circular.
What the Supreme Court Has Said
The policy is before the Supreme Court in W.P.(C) 694/2026. The Court’s order is dated 28 September 2026, and the next hearing is on 19 November 2026. The policy remains in force and has not been stayed. The Court has not decided the case, so no final outcome should be claimed at this stage.
What Parents and Students Should Do Next
- Check with your child’s school which three languages your child will study, and confirm the R3 choice.
- Make sure the R3 choice follows the one-time relaxation rules, including the Bhartiya Bhasha requirement where it applies.
- Practise listening and speaking in the third language, since R3 uses oral-first pedagogy.
- Keep track of the school’s R3 assessment dates and the 100-mark school-based assessment.
- Read the official circular and check the official CBSE website for updates, rather than relying on rumours.
Read CBSE Circular Acad-49/2026
For official updates, visit the official CBSE website: www.cbse.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a board exam in the third language for Class 9?
No. For the 2026-27 Class 9 batch, there is no CBSE board examination in the third language (R3). R3 is assessed by the school only, for 100 marks, and this continues when the batch reaches Class 10 in 2027-28.
Does Class 10 in 2026-27 need a third language?
No. Class 10 in 2026-27 has no change. Students continue with two languages, with no third language at all.
What happens if my child fails R3 in Class 9?
Your child is still promoted to Class 10 in 2027-28, but must clear the Class 9 R3 assessment while in Class 10. Students must also clear the R3 school-based assessment in Class 10 to receive the CBSE Secondary School Examination Pass Certificate.
Where can I read the official CBSE circular?
The governing document is CBSE Circular Acad-49/2026, dated 10 July 2026. You can read it through the link above, on cbseacademic.nic.in, or check the official CBSE website at cbse.gov.in.