CBSE to implement 3-language formula from Class 6, English made optional
Updated: Mar 4th, 2026
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that it will introduce the three-language formula from Class 6 starting in the 2026–27 academic year, marking a major curriculum change under the National Education Policy 2020.
Under the revised framework, English will no longer be treated as a compulsory subject but will instead be categorised as a foreign language. Students from Class 6 will be required to study three languages, with at least two of them being Indian languages.
As per reports, English will remain available as an option, alongside other foreign languages such as French and German. However, schools must ensure that two Indian languages are included in every student’s subject combination.
As per the National Curriculum Framework (School Education) 2023, the introduction of a third language will reportedly begin at the middle stage, covering Classes 6 to 8. The framework notes that acquiring proficiency in a new and unfamiliar language requires sustained practice and adequate classroom time, and recommends sufficient teaching hours to help students develop basic communication skills.
It also proposes that the third language may be made compulsory up to Class 10, with the teaching of all three languages continuing through Classes 9 and 10.
As per reports, the new policy places particular emphasis on Indian languages. If a school chooses to offer English from Class 6, it will be regarded as a foreign language, and students will still be required to study two Indian languages. Similarly, if a school introduces French, German or another foreign language, the requirement of two Indian languages will remain mandatory.
The decision is expected to prompt several schools to review and revise their existing language policies.
To support the transition, CBSE will develop new textbooks and study materials in line with the National Curriculum Framework’s recommendations. From the 2026–27 academic year, the board plans to prepare materials for nine languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Gujarati and Bengali.
