The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce a third language option for Class 6 students, in addition to two Indian languages, starting from the 2026-27 academic session. English will be classified as a “foreign” language, with the National Education Policy (NEP) requiring at least two of the three languages to be native to India, reported Indian Express.
This means that in schools where English is taught in Class 6, it will be treated as the “foreign” language, while students will also learn two Indian languages. If students choose another foreign language, such as French or German, it must be accompanied by two Indian languages.
This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023. This initiative will eventually mandate that students study the third language until Class 10, as the NCFSE recommends that all three languages continue through Classes 9 and 10. By 2031, the Class 10 Board examination will include a test for the third language, differing from the current system which only includes two languages. Detailed information will be provided by the Board soon. The report further stated that for the third language in Class 6, CBSE is preparing learning materials for nine languages for the 2026-27 academic session. These languages include Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Gujarati, and Bangla.
What Is NEP 2020’s Three-Language Formula?
The three-language formula by NEP 2020 mandates that students learn three languages, with at least two being native to India. This policy applies to both government and private schools, allowing states to select languages without imposition. It specifies that the medium of instruction should be the home language, mother tongue, local language, or regional language at least until Class 5, preferably extending to Class 8 and beyond.
The NEP advocates for the early implementation of the three-language formula to foster multilingualism from the school level. The document emphasises that the three-language formula will be implemented while considering the Constitutional provisions, the aspirations of the people and regions, the Union, and the need to promote multilingualism and national unity.
It states that the three languages chosen by students will be determined by the states, regions, and the students themselves, provided that at least two of the languages are native to India.
It further states that English will be considered a foreign language and students opting for English will have to opt for two Indian languages.
