CBSE Sets 7-Day Deadline for Third Language Rollout

The Central Board of Secondary Education has asked all affiliated schools to begin teaching the third language (R3) within a week, signalling a swift rollout of its new curriculum framework.

In a circular issued on April 9, CBSE made it clear that compliance is not optional. Schools yet to implement the third language have been given a strict seven-day deadline.

Notably, the board has directed institutions to start classes even if textbooks are unavailable. Schools have been told to use locally available resources until official material is released.

Mandatory from Class 6

The move marks the beginning of the three-language formula under the National Education Policy 2020.

From the 2026-27 academic session:

R3 becomes compulsory from Class 6
The system will extend to Class 10 by 2030-31

Languages will be structured into three tiers - R1 (main language), R2 (second language), and R3 (third language), with rules preventing duplication across levels.

CBSE said students can choose from Hindi, English, and a wide pool of Indian and foreign languages, including those listed in the Constitution.

Exam Reforms in Pipeline

Alongside language changes, CBSE is overhauling its assessment system.

From 2026-27:

Mathematics and Science will follow a two-level format
Students will take a common 80-mark paper
A separate 25-mark advanced paper will test analytical and higher-order thinking skills

The revamped system replaces the current basic and standard Maths structure. The first Class 10 board exams under this format will be held in 2028.

Future-Focused Additions

CBSE is also preparing to introduce Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence (CT & AI) from the 2027-28 academic session, aligning education with emerging technologies.