The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce a third language option for students entering Class 6, aligning its academic structure with the multilingual vision outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The move is aimed at strengthening language proficiency and promoting linguistic diversity from the middle-school level.
Under the revised language framework, Class 6 students will be required to study three languages. Of these, a minimum of two must be Indian languages. English, wherever offered at this stage, will be treated as a foreign language. This implies that students opting for English will still need to select two Indian languages as part of their compulsory language combination.
The rule will also apply to students choosing other foreign languages such as French or Spanish. In such cases as well, the three-language combination must include at least two Indian languages, ensuring consistent emphasis on native and regional linguistic learning.
What the Policy Mandates
The three-language formula is a central pillar of NEP 2020 and is applicable to both government and private schools affiliated with CBSE. While the policy lays down the broad structure, states and school managements retain flexibility in deciding which languages are offered, based on regional, cultural and administrative considerations. Students will have a degree of choice, provided the minimum requirement of two Indian languages is met.
The policy also reiterates that the mother tongue, home language or regional language should preferably be the medium of instruction at least until Class 5, and ideally till Class 8 and beyond. This recommendation is intended to improve conceptual understanding and learning outcomes in the formative years.
Continuity Through Secondary School
In line with curriculum reforms, the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 advises that students continue studying all three languages through Classes 9 and 10. This continuity is designed to help learners achieve functional fluency and academic confidence across languages, rather than treating them as short-term subjects.
Background of the Three-Language Formula
The three-language formula is not new to India’s education system. It was first proposed in the National Education Policy of 1968 and later reaffirmed in the 1986 policy, before being strengthened under NEP 2020. The Union government has clarified that the framework is not legally binding and that no language will be imposed on any state or student.
According to the Centre, the objective is to encourage multilingualism while respecting India’s linguistic diversity and regional autonomy. Schools and states are expected to implement the policy in a manner that balances national integration with local language preferences.
