CBSE Makes Third Language Mandatory For Class IX 

Syllabus:GS2/Governance 

In News

• The Central Board of Secondary Education(CBSE) has made it mandatory for Class 9 students to study three languages from July 2026.

What is a three-language formula? 

• The three-language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends that students learn three languages, at least two of which must be native to India. 
• This formula applies to both government and private schools, giving states the flexibility to choose languages without any imposition.

Background 

• National Education Policy 2020 retains the three-language formula originally introduced in NEP 1968 but introduces much greater flexibility compared to the earlier policy, which effectively made Hindi compulsory nationwide.
  • The formula was first proposed by the Education Commission (1964-66), officially known as the Kothari Commission.
• Under the 1968 framework, Hindi-speaking states were required to learn Hindi, English, and a third Indian language, while non-Hindi-speaking states had to include Hindi along with their regional language and English. 
• In contrast, NEP 2020 does not impose any specific language on states or students; instead, it allows them to choose the three languages, provided at least two are native Indian languages.
• This means students will typically study their regional language along with at least one other Indian language, but not necessarily Hindi. 

Objectives of three-language policy

• Promote multilingualism: Three-language policy enhances cognitive skills and cultural awareness among students.
• Preserve Indian languages: Three-language policy ensures at least two of the three languages are native to India.
• National integration: Three-language policy bridges linguistic divides by balancing regional and national languages.
• Global readiness: Three-language policy retains English and allows optional foreign languages for international exposure.

Opposition and Challenges

• Southern states’ concerns: Opposition in Tamil Nadu comes from a long history of anti-Hindi movements and its two-language policy (Tamil and English).
  • Political parties argue the three-language policy could indirectly promote Hindi, making it a key Centre–state conflict over language and identity.
  • Others argue the policy undermines cooperative federalism.
• Practical hurdles: 
  • Shortage of trained teachers for regional languages : Many schools lack enough trained Indian language teachers, so the Central Board of Secondary Education allows temporary solutions like using skilled teachers, online classes, inter-school sharing, and retired or qualified postgraduates.
  • Lack of textbooks and structured curricula.
  • Burden on students, especially those frequently relocating or already learning foreign languages.

Latest Directions of CBSE

• The third language will be assessed internally without a Class 10 board exam, and students will not be barred from exams due to it.
• Foreign languages can still be studied but cannot replace Indian language requirements, and some students may need to adjust their combinations.
• CBSE says the move ensures alignment with national reforms, consistency with the updated NCERT syllabus, and a gradual transition for schools.

Source :Air