CBSE Eases Three-Language Policy for Current Class 9: No Board Exam!
CBSE Eases Three-Language Policy for Current Class 9: No Board Exam!
Big relief for Class 9 students! CBSE announces a one-time exemption from third language board exams, clarifying the three-language policy under NEP 2020. Get all the details!
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant one-time relaxation for the current batch of Class 9 students regarding the implementation of the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This move comes as a relief to many, ensuring a smoother transition during this period of educational reform.
Under the revised guidelines, current Class 9 students who had previously opted for two non-native languages will be allowed to continue with their chosen combination. They will simply need to add one Indian language as their third language. Crucially, the CBSE has confirmed that there will be no board examination for this third language when these students are promoted to Class 10. The board emphasized that this decision is intended to ensure "no student shall be disadvantaged due to this alignment."
This latest directive clarifies and amends an earlier circular issued on May 15, which had directed all affiliated schools to make three languages (designated R1, R2, and R3) compulsory for Class 9 students from July 1, with at least two of them being native Indian languages. That earlier order had sparked concerns among school principals regarding logistics and academic difficulties, particularly due to the lack of dedicated textbooks from NCERT.
The phased implementation of the three-language formula under NEP 2020 is set to begin from Class 6 in the academic year 2026-27, with a full roll-out to Class 10 by 2030-31. For Class 9 students from 2026-27 onwards, the third language will be assessed internally, and there will be no board examinations for it. The CBSE has also provided exemptions for Children With Special Needs (CwSN) and foreign students, as well as support for migrating families, to ensure flexibility and inclusivity.
This clarification from the CBSE aims to alleviate stress on students and schools while steadily moving towards the broader goals of the National Education Policy, focusing on meaningful learning experiences over examination burdens during transitional phases.
