CBSE Makes Third Language In Class 6 Mandatory From 2026-27, Gives Schools 7-Day Deadline

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an urgent directive making the introduction of a third language in Class 6 compulsory from the 2026-27 academic session, asking all affiliated schools to comply within seven days. In a circular issued on April 9, the board said schools must begin implementation immediately, even if official textbooks for the subject are not yet available.

Schools Told To Start Teaching Third Language Immediately

In its latest circular, CBSE said the rollout of the third language, referred to as R3, cannot be delayed and must begin without waiting for textbooks. The board noted that several schools have already started the process and instructed the remaining institutions to fall in line within a week.

"It has been learnt that many schools have already initiated the implementation of R3... All remaining schools are hereby directed to ensure compliance within 7 days from the date of issuance of this circular," the CBSE said in its notice.

The board also clarified that schools should begin classes using whatever suitable study material is already available locally until the official books are supplied.

"The textbooks for R3... will be made available shortly. However, schools are directed to start teaching R3 from Class 6 immediately, using locally available books/materials," the circular said.

Schools Must Update Chosen Language On OASIS Portal

Apart from beginning classes, schools have also been asked to formally declare which third language they are introducing. CBSE said this information must be updated on the OASIS portal, making the rollout part of its formal compliance mechanism.

The board added that the implementation process will not remain merely advisory, as regional offices have been tasked with tracking whether schools are following the directive on time. This makes the seven-day deadline a monitored requirement rather than a general guideline.

Early Choice Will Decide Language Options In Classes 9 And 10

CBSE has also linked the Class 6 rollout directly to future language choices for students. According to the circular, schools will only be able to offer in Classes 9 and 10 those third languages that they begin teaching at the Class 6 level now.

"Only those R3 languages which are introduced in Class 6 by a school will be available as options in Classes 9 and 10 for that school," the circular noted.

This means schools must be careful while selecting the language at the start, as the decision will shape what students can continue with in higher classes later.

Third Language Push Comes Under National Curriculum Framework 2023

The directive follows the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, which promotes multilingual education through the R1, R2 and R3 model. Under this framework, students are expected to learn three languages as part of the school system.

Typically, this includes:

• The regional or mother tongue (R1)
• Another Indian language or English (R2)
• A third language (R3), often an additional Indian language

CBSE said the larger objective behind the model is to strengthen multilingual learning and deepen students' exposure to India's linguistic diversity. The board said the policy is aimed at promoting "linguistic proficiency, cultural understanding, and national integration among learners."

CBSE Calls The Move "Urgent And Mandatory"

Reinforcing the seriousness of the order, CBSE has told schools to take "all necessary measures to ensure immediate and effective implementation" of the third language policy.

"This may be treated as urgent and mandatory," the circular said.

With the April 9 circular, CBSE has made it clear that the third language rollout is no longer a preparatory exercise for the next academic session but an immediate compliance requirement. The move marks a major push towards implementing the multilingual vision laid out under the national curriculum reforms, even before the official textbooks reach classrooms.