CBSE mandates third language in Class 6 from 2026, sets 7-day deadline

The Central Board of Secondary Education has directed all affiliated schools to introduce a third language in Class 6 from the 2026 to 2027 academic session, setting a seven-day deadline for compliance.

In a circular issued on April 9, the board described the rollout as "urgent and mandatory" and instructed schools to begin implementation immediately, even if prescribed textbooks are not yet available.

"It has been learnt that many schools have already initiated the implementation of R3... All remaining schools are hereby directed to ensure compliance within 7 days from the date of issuance of this circular," the CBSE said.

Schools have been asked to start teaching the third language using locally available resources until official materials are released.

"The textbooks for R3... will be made available shortly. However, schools are directed to start teaching R3 from Class 6 immediately, using locally available books/materials," the circular stated.

The board has also made it mandatory for schools to declare their selected third language and update the details on the OASIS portal. Regional CBSE offices will monitor the implementation process.

Linking the decision to future academic options, CBSE clarified that only those third languages introduced at the Class 6 level will be available to students in Classes 9 and 10.

"Only those R3 languages which are introduced in Class 6 by a school will be available as options in Classes 9 and 10 for that school," the notice said.

The directive aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, which promotes multilingual learning through the three-language model.

Under this structure, students study the mother tongue or regional language, another Indian language or English, and a third language.

According to the board, the policy is intended to promote "linguistic proficiency, cultural understanding, and national integration among learners."

Reiterating the urgency, CBSE has asked schools to take all necessary steps to ensure immediate implementation, warning that compliance will be closely tracked by regional authorities.