CBSE Makes Third Language Assessment Mandatory for Class 9 and 10 Students Under NEP 2020

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a major change to its assessment framework by making the third language a mandatory qualifying subject for students in Classes 9 and 10 under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Beginning with the 2027-28 academic session, students will be required to clear the school-based internal assessment in the third language to receive the Secondary School Examination (Class 10) pass certificate. Although the subject will not be included in the Class 10 board examination, passing the internal assessment has now become compulsory.

The revised policy will first apply to students entering Class 9 during the 2026-27 academic session and subsequently to those appearing in Class 10 in 2027-28.

Under the new framework, students who fail the third language assessment in Class 10 will be given another opportunity before the declaration of the board examination results. Schools will conduct a reassessment, allowing students to clear the subject and become eligible for the Class 10 pass certificate.

For Class 9 students, CBSE has clarified that failing the third language assessment will not prevent promotion to Class 10. However, students must clear the pending assessment while studying in Class 10 to meet the eligibility requirements for completing secondary education.

The decision follows CBSE's earlier notification implementing the three-language formula from Class 6 onwards under NEP 2020. From the 2026-27 academic session, students will study three languages, with at least two languages being native to India.

Students currently studying an additional foreign language alongside English in Classes 7, 8 and 9 will be allowed to continue learning that language. However, they will also be required to study a third language that is native to India to comply with the revised framework.

Previously, students were generally allowed to discontinue the third language after Class 8. Under the new policy, studying the third language will remain compulsory in Class 9 from the 2026-27 session and in Class 10 from the 2027-28 session.

The current batch of Class 10 students appearing for the 2026-27 board examinations will not be affected by these changes.

The policy has also become the subject of legal scrutiny. A writ petition challenging the implementation of the revised three-language formula is currently under consideration by the court. The petition seeks restoration of CBSE's earlier proposal, which would have postponed compulsory implementation at the Class 9 level until the 2029-30 academic session.

Defending the policy, the Ministry of Education has argued that education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, allowing both the Centre and states to implement reforms under NEP 2020. The government has maintained that the three-language formula promotes multilingualism, strengthens cognitive development, preserves Indian languages and supports national integration.

With this move, CBSE has formally linked the third language requirement to the Class 10 pass certificate, making school-based assessment an essential part of secondary education under the NEP 2020 framework.

Key Highlights

• CBSE has made the third language a mandatory qualifying subject for Classes 9 and 10.
• Students must clear the school-based internal assessment to receive the Class 10 pass certificate.
• The subject will not be included in the Class 10 board examination.
• The policy will apply to students entering Class 9 in 2026-27 and Class 10 in 2027-28.
• Class 9 students who fail the assessment can still be promoted but must clear it in Class 10.
• The three-language formula requires at least two Indian languages.
• The policy is currently facing a legal challenge.

FAQs

Is the third language compulsory for CBSE Class 10 students?

Yes. From the 2027-28 academic session, students must pass the school-based internal assessment in the third language to receive their Class 10 pass certificate.

Will the third language be part of the CBSE Class 10 board exam?

No. The third language will not be included in the Class 10 board examination, but passing the internal assessment conducted by the school is mandatory.

What happens if a student fails the third language in Class 9?

Students will still be promoted to Class 10 but must clear the pending third language assessment during Class 10.

Which students will be affected by the new rule?

The revised policy will apply to students entering Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic session and appearing for Class 10 in 2027-28.

What is the three-language formula under NEP 2020?

Students will study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages. The policy aims to promote multilingual education and preserve Indian languages.

Is the CBSE third language policy facing legal challenges?

Yes. A writ petition challenging the revised implementation timeline is currently under consideration, while the Ministry of Education has defended the policy before the court.