New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that the revised three-language policy, set to be implemented from July 1 under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, will not apply to the current batch of Class 10 students. The board also confirmed that students currently studying in Classes 7, 8 and 9 will be exempt from appearing for a board examination in the third language when they reach Class 10.
The clarification comes amid questions from schools, parents and students regarding the implementation of the revised language framework. CBSE said the transition to the new policy will be gradual to ensure that students already following the existing curriculum are not adversely affected.
Current Class 10 batch exempt
In its latest guidelines, CBSE stated that students currently in Class 10 will continue under the existing language framework and will not be required to follow the revised three-language policy.
The new policy proposes that students learn three languages, with at least two being native Indian languages (Bhartiya Bhashas). However, the board has clarified that these changes will not affect students already appearing for the Class 10 board examinations under the present curriculum.
The decision is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting the academic plans of the current batch.
No third-language board exam for current Classes 7, 8 and 9
CBSE has also clarified that students presently studying in Classes 7, 8 and 9 will not be required to take a Class 10 board examination in the third language after they are promoted.
The board said this exemption has been provided to avoid imposing new examination requirements on students who had already begun their schooling under the earlier language structure.
Students in these classes who have already opted for two foreign languages will be allowed to continue with those subjects. However, they will also study one additional native Indian language as part of the revised policy.
Implementation from July 1
The revised language policy will be introduced for students from Class 6 onwards beginning July 1.
CBSE said it will provide grade-appropriate learning resources in a time-bound manner to support schools and students during the implementation of the new curriculum.
According to the board, the objective is to make language learning more meaningful, engaging and enriching while contributing to the holistic development of learners.
NEP 2020 emphasises multilingual education
CBSE noted that the revised framework is aligned with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The policy recommends that students learn three languages during their schooling, with at least two of them being Indian languages.
The board stated that the initiative seeks to strengthen multilingual abilities among students while promoting India’s linguistic diversity.
At the same time, CBSE emphasised that it remains committed to maintaining a balanced academic environment so that language learning supports, rather than burdens, students.
Focus on smooth transition
Education experts believe the clarification will ease concerns among students and parents regarding sudden curriculum changes.
By exempting current batches from additional examination requirements, CBSE aims to ensure that the implementation of the revised language policy takes place in a phased and student-friendly manner.
Schools are expected to receive further operational guidelines and teaching resources as the rollout progresses.
Conclusion
CBSE’s clarification provides much-needed certainty for students and schools regarding the implementation of the revised three-language policy. While the new framework will be introduced gradually from July 1, current Class 10 students and those presently studying in Classes 7, 8 and 9 will not face additional board examination requirements under the revised policy.