CBSE Transforms the Educational Landscape: Third Language Mandatory from Class 6; Emphasis on Skills and Technology in Classes 9-10

Under the new CBSE curriculum, studying a third language will be mandatory starting from Class 6. Additionally, Vocational Education, Art Education, and Physical Education have been made compulsory for students in Classes 9 and 10.

Major news has emerged for schools and students across the country. The very approach to education is set to change, subject choices are being revamped, and now—ranging from languages ​​to vocational skills—everything is being integrated with a fresh perspective. CBSE has released a new curriculum that has the potential to completely transform the landscape of school education in the coming years.

These changes have been implemented in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under this new framework, studying a third language will now be mandatory starting from Class 6. Until now, students typically studied two languages; however, learning three languages ​​will now be a requirement. The impact of this change will eventually be reflected in the Class 10 Board Examinations of 2031, when the third language will be included as a compulsory subject.

CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh has clarified that this new rule will not apply to current Class 9 students. Textbooks for the third language will be introduced for Class 6 students this year. It is this specific cohort of students—who will appear for their Board Examinations in 2031—for whom this entire new system will be fully applicable.

A key feature of this new framework is that students will be required to study at least two Indian languages. English will now be categorized as a foreign language. Consequently, students will not be permitted to choose another foreign language—alongside English—as their second or third language option. CBSE is currently preparing to make study materials related to the third language available online this month, ensuring that schools and students have ample time to prepare.

Skills Now Mandatory in Classes 9 and 10

The new curriculum places emphasis not only on languages ​​but also on skills and the arts. Art Education, Vocational Education, and Physical Education will now be compulsory subjects for students in Classes 9 and 10. Textbooks specifically designed for Art Education and Physical Education will also be introduced. This year, Class 10 students will undergo assessment in these subjects at the school level. Starting from the 2027-28 academic session, vocational education will also become a mandatory subject, subject to annual or Board examinations. This means that, alongside their academic studies, students will now also acquire practical vocational skills.

Inclusion of New Languages

CBSE has introduced languages ​​such as Dogri, Maithili, Konkani, and Santhali into the Class 9 curriculum. With this addition, the Board will now offer a choice of 22 designated Indian languages. This initiative has been undertaken to promote Indian languages.

Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence

Keeping pace with the times, CBSE has decided to make Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence mandatory subjects for Classes 9 and 10. Initially, these subjects will be taught in the form of modules and assessed at the school level. From 2029 onwards, they will become mandatory subjects in the Class 10 Board examinations. These subjects are also being introduced for students in Classes 3 through 8.

Mathematics and Science at Two Levels

Starting from the 2026-27 academic session, Mathematics and Science will be taught at two distinct levels in Class 9. Students who opt for the advanced level will be required to undertake additional coursework and appear for a separate, one-hour examination carrying 25 marks. A slight relaxation regarding language requirements has been granted to CBSE-affiliated schools operating abroad; for these schools, only one Indian language will be mandatory, as opposed to two.

A Roadmap Extending to 2031

According to Pragya Singh, Director (Academics) at CBSE, this curriculum framework has been designed with a long-term vision extending up to the year 2031. Textbooks for the third language will be developed in collaboration with the NCERT.