CBSE Three-Language Policy Update: Class 7–9 Students Can Continue Foreign Languages Till Class 10

CBSE has clarified that students in Class 7, 8 and 9 can continue with their old foreign language combination till Class 10. The CBSE foreign language aka new three language policy will be implemented from the upcoming batch of Class 6.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has given a big relief to students and their parents by making it clear that students studying in Class 7, 8 and 9 can continue with their existing foreign language combination till Class 10.

The revised CBSE three-language policy, which stipulates that students will study at least two Indian languages, will not be applicable to those already in Classes 7, 8 and 9, sources said. Rather, the new rule will not apply to any batch that enters Class 6 in the future.

The clarification follows several schools and parents' complaints regarding the board's recent communication which requested affiliated schools to follow the new three-language policy effective July.

What is the latest update of CBSE?

The students who have already opted for two foreign languages as per the existing CBSE language policy will not be asked to switch their language combination in the middle of the school. This means that they can keep studying the same languages till Class 10.

Who will be impacted by the new language policy?

The new policy of two Indian languages will be applicable only to students who will join Class 6 in the future. Sources say the rule will not apply to students who are currently enrolled in the program, and will not be retroactive.

Why has CBSE issued this clarification?

The clarification comes in response to schools' and parents' queries following CBSE's instructions to affiliated schools to start implementing the new three-language policy from July.

There had been many concerns about whether students currently enrolled in a foreign language would need to switch courses halfway through school. The new clarification has made it clear that the current policy will remain in place for current students and the new policy will be applied to new students for Class 6.

The order is likely to bring relief to thousands of CBSE students and schools as they gear up for the new academic year.