Overview
- CBSE published detailed guidelines on Monday that set a phased introduction of the three‑language rule from the 2026–27 academic year and explained how different class cohorts will be treated.
- The current Class 10 cohort is exempted and will keep the two‑language system, while students now in Classes 7–9 must add an Indian language but will have the third language assessed only through internal school evaluation.
- Students who already study two foreign languages may continue that combination provided they add one Bhartiya Bhasha, and students entering Class 6 in 2026–27 will fully follow the three‑language rule with R3 becoming a board exam for that cohort when they reach Class 10 around 2030.
- To support schools, CBSE and NCERT will supply grade‑appropriate learning materials including Class‑6 R3 textbooks in 22 scheduled Indian languages and the board has allowed flexible staffing options such as retired teachers, shared cluster teaching and virtual instruction.
- The guidelines include exemptions for Children with Special Needs, CBSE schools outside India, migrating students and foreign returnees, and the policy is subject to a pending Supreme Court hearing scheduled for early July.