CBSE Allows Class 7-9 Students to Continue Foreign Languages Under Three-Language Policy

The Ministry of Education has clarified that students in Classes 7, 8, and 9 in CBSE-affiliated schools may continue studying foreign languages under the three-language policy until they complete Class 10. This clarification, issued on Friday, June 26, 2026, comes after a month of confusion following a CBSE circular that mandated three languages for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026, with two being Indian languages.

Earlier, CBSE had instructed schools that students entering Class 9 must study three languages, two of which must be native to India, effective from the 2026-27 academic year. This led many schools to ask students who had opted for foreign languages such as French, German, and Spanish to switch to an Indian language, apart from English and Hindi or another Indian language.

According to data, approximately six lakh students study French and 1.5 lakh students study German across various grades in all Indian schools, including those affiliated with CBSE. The sudden change sparked protests from parents, students, and teachers, who argued that students who had studied a foreign language for three to four years would face significant difficulties in switching abruptly.

The issue also drew diplomatic attention. A spokesperson from the German Embassy confirmed that the mission is in touch with the Indian government over the matter. Sources indicated that the German and French embassies had pushed back against the three-language formula, which they feared would phase out foreign language teaching in CBSE schools by 2030-31.

The recent clarification states that the three-language formula will apply to students entering Class 6, who will be required to study three languages, two of which must be Indian. For students already in higher classes, the policy will be implemented gradually. CBSE is expected to reverse its May 15 circular that mandated immediate implementation for Class 9 students.

The Supreme Court had earlier refused to grant interim relief on petitions challenging the circular, but the Ministry's clarification and CBSE's anticipated withdrawal of the directive aim to address the concerns. The revised plan is expected to phase in the three-language policy over five consecutive academic years, ending in 2030-31, rather than applying it to all classes from 2026-27.

This development ensures that students currently studying foreign languages can continue without disruption. The Education Ministry emphasized that the policy aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 while accommodating the needs of students and the practical challenges of sudden implementation.