CBSE Mandates Third Language for Class 9 and 10 Students Under NEP 2020
New Language Requirement for CBSE Students
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced on Tuesday that, as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a third language will become a mandatory qualifying subject for students in grades 9 and 10. The board clarified that while this third language will not be included in the Class 10 board examination, students will need to pass a school-based internal assessment for this subject starting from the academic year 2027-28.
Consequences of Failing the Assessment
CBSE stated that students who do not pass the internal assessment in the third language will not receive a passing certificate for the secondary school examination. According to the three-language formula, students are required to study two Indian languages and one foreign language. This updated policy will apply to students entering Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic session and those in Class 10 in 2027-28. However, students already in Class 10 during the 2026-27 academic session will not be required to study or pass the third language under the new regulations.
Details from CBSE Circular
A circular issued by CBSE on July 10 indicated that students entering Class 10 in the 2027-28 academic session must pass the school-based assessment in the designated third language, referred to as 'R3', to obtain their secondary school examination passing certificate. Although the third language will not be part of the Class 10 board exam, passing the internal assessment is now essential for passing the secondary school examination.
Remedial Measures for Students
The board has also outlined procedures for students who fail the assessment. If a Class 10 student does not pass the internal assessment for the third language, the school must conduct a reassessment before the board exam results are announced. Some leniency has been provided for Class 9 students; those who fail the third language exam will still be promoted to Class 10. However, they will need to pass the remaining Class 9 exams in the following academic year.
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