CBSE Makes Third Language Assessment Mandatory for Classes 9 and 10 from 2027-28

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a mandatory third language internal assessment for students in Classes 9 and 10 as part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Beginning with students entering Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic session, passing the school-based assessment in the third language will become a compulsory requirement for obtaining the Class 10 Secondary School Examination pass certificate from the 2027-28 academic year.

CBSE has announced that students in Classes 9 and 10 must successfully complete the mandatory third language internal assessment under the revised NEP 2020 framework.

Third Language Will Not Be Part of Board Exam

CBSE clarified that the third language will not be included in the Class 10 Board Examination. However, students must successfully clear the internal assessment conducted by their schools.

Students who fail to qualify in the assessment will not receive the Secondary School Examination pass certificate until they meet the requirement.

Three-Language Formula Under NEP 2020

The revised framework follows the three-language formula outlined in NEP 2020.

Under the new policy:

• Students must study three languages in Classes 9 and 10.

• At least two languages must be Bharatiya Bhashas (Indian languages).

• The remaining language can be a non-native language, depending on the student's existing language combination.

For example:

• Students already studying two Indian languages may choose either another Indian language or a non-native language as their third subject.

• Students studying one Indian language and one non-native language must select another Bharatiya Bhasha as the third language.

New Rules Apply From 2027-28

The revised language policy will apply to:

• Students entering Class 9 during the 2026-27 academic year.

• Students appearing in Class 10 during the 2027-28 academic session.

Students already enrolled in Class 10 during the 2026-27 academic year will not be covered under the new requirement.

What Happens If a Student Fails?

CBSE has also outlined the procedure for students who do not clear the third language assessment.

For Class 10 students:

• Schools must conduct a reassessment before the declaration of Board examination results.

• Students must pass the reassessment to receive their Class 10 pass certificate.

For Class 9 students:

• Students will still be promoted to Class 10 even if they fail the assessment.

• However, they must clear the pending third language assessment during Class 10 before becoming eligible for the Secondary School Examination certificate.

This approach ensures students are not detained in Class 9 while maintaining the mandatory language requirement.

CBSE Aligns Curriculum With NEP 2020

The latest changes form part of CBSE's ongoing implementation of the National Education Policy, which places greater emphasis on multilingual learning and the promotion of Indian languages.

By introducing a compulsory school-based assessment rather than a Board examination, the Board aims to strengthen language education while reducing examination pressure on students.