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CBSE Relaxes Three-Language Policy for Classes 7,8,9; Allows Foreign Languages with One Bhartiya Bhasha

Target:UPSCMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
29 Jun 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:Classes 7,8,9Two foreign languages allowedBhartiya BhashaMay 2026 circularJune 29, 2026
Bodies:CBSEMinistry of Education
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.CBSE revised its three-language policy for Classes 7, 8, and 9 to allow continuation of two foreign languages with one extra Indian language.

2.The earlier May circular required two Indian languages, sparking protests from parents of foreign language learners (French, German, etc.).

3.The relaxation applies only to the current batch; future policy for incoming classes remains unclear.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

CBSE has relaxed its three-language policy for current Classes 7, 8, and 9, allowing students who had already taken two foreign languages to continue them with one additional Indian language (Bhartiya Bhasha). This reversal follows parent protests against a May 2026 circular that mandated two Indian languages from Class 9.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Classes Affected7, 8, 9
Policy ChangeTwo foreign languages allowed with one additional Bhartiya Bhasha
Original CircularMay 2026 (mandated two Indian languages)
Relaxation DateJune 29, 2026
BoardCBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Classes Affected: 7, 8, 9
  • ›Policy Change: Two foreign languages allowed with one additional Bhartiya Bhasha
  • ›Target this Data: Classes 7, 8, and 9 are affected by the relaxation.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) – under Ministry of Education.
  • ›Target this Legal/Policy Point: Three‑Language Formula under NEP 2020; distinction between Indian languages (Bhartiya Bhasha) and foreign languages.

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which educational board issued the revised circular relaxing the three‑language policy for Classes 7, 8, and 9?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the CBSE three‑language policy:

1. The relaxation applies to the current batches of Classes 7, 8, and 9.

2. The original May circular required students to take two foreign languages.

3. Under the relaxation, students may continue with two foreign languages and one additional Indian language (Bhartiya Bhasha).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

Which classes are covered by the CBSE three‑language policy relaxation announced on June 29, 2026?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What was the primary reason for CBSE to relax the three‑language policy for the current batches?

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