The dropping of three planned curricular components for students currently in Class 9 on Thursday is the latest in a series of changes to the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) scheme of studies since the 2026-27 academic year began on April 1.
The scheme also planned advanced-level options in Mathematics and Science, vocational education, art education, physical education and well-being, and interdisciplinary learning. Under the original language framework, R1 referred to the first language, R2 to a second distinct language, and R3 to a third language. At least two of the three were to be native Indian languages. R1 and R2 would have board examinations, while R3 would be assessed internally. The initial rollout envisaged R3 progressing one grade each year. They could continue studying those languages while adding an Indian language as their third. The focus remains on joyful, meaningful language learning, not on examination. This is separate from R3, which remains compulsory and is assessed internally. A passed skill subject can replace a failed Mathematics, Science or Social Science subject in result computation, but this does not apply to Kaushal Vikas. A passed optional language can similarly replace a failed R1 or R2 language, provided it is different from all three compulsory languages.
The board said: “No student shall be disadvantaged due to this alignment. In nearly seven months between April 2 and October 29, the board has issued multiple circulars, notifications and clarifications, including successive changes to its three-language policy introduced in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. On April 2, CBSE released its revised scheme of studies for Classes 9 and 10, aligned with NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. It proposed a phased rollout of the three-language formula, beginning with Class 6 in 2026-27 and reaching Class 10 by 2030-31. On June 29, CBSE granted a one-time relaxation to students in Classes 7, 8 and 9 who had already chosen two non-native languages. The board issued R3 assessment resources on July 2 and detailed implementation guidelines on July 10, retaining the transitional relief for existing batches. CBSE has also provided a mechanism to replace a failed language in the Class 10 result While retaining all the clarifications related to language policy till July 10 in its October 29 circular. If a student scores less than 33% in either R1 or R2 but passes an additional optional language, the optional language may replace the failed language for result computation. The optional language must be selected from the 45 languages listed by the board and must be different from all three compulsory languages — R1, R2 and R3. For subjects assessed through both internal assessment and the Board examination, students must secure at least 33% in the combined marks to pass. The board’s latest circular in its frequently asked questions (FAQs) also clarified the Class 10 examination and pass criteria. Students must secure at least 33% in each of the five compulsory board-exam subjects, R1, R2, Mathematics, Science and Social Science, calculated by combining internal assessment and board examination marks.
