Overview
- The Punjab government has issued a notification making Punjabi a mandatory main subject for Class 10 in all schools, regardless of board affiliation.
- Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains accused the CBSE of marginalizing Punjabi by not listing it as a main subject in its draft norms for board exams.
- CBSE clarified that its draft policy is indicative and that Punjabi, along with other regional and foreign languages, will continue to be offered in the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Schools failing to comply with Punjab's directive to teach Punjabi as a main subject risk having their Class 10 certificates declared invalid, with fines imposed on violators.
- The CBSE's draft proposal also includes holding Class 10 board exams twice a year starting in 2026, with students allowed to choose or retake specific subjects.