CBSE relaxes three-language formula for students, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Education has clarified that students currently in Classes 7, 8, and 9 can continue studying foreign languages under the three-language policy until Class 10.
• This decision relaxes an earlier CBSE directive that mandated Class 9 students to study two Indian languages from the 2026-27 academic year.
• The initial CBSE circular had prompted schools to instruct students to switch from foreign languages, leading to protests and diplomatic concerns.
• CBSE is now expected to reverse its May 15 circular and implement the three-language policy gradually over five academic years until 2030-31.

Detailed Insights:

• The initial CBSE circular, issued on May 15, 2026, aimed to implement the National Education Policy's three-language formula for Class 9 students.
• This directive would have required students entering Class 9 from July 1, 2026, to study three languages, with two being native to India.
• The clarification ensures that students who have already been studying foreign languages like French, German, or Spanish are not abruptly forced to change their language option.
• Diplomatic missions, including the German and French Embassies, had expressed strong pushback against the potential phasing out of foreign language teaching.
• Parents, students, and teachers had also approached the Supreme Court challenging the abrupt implementation of the policy for Class 9.
• The expected withdrawal of the latest circular will likely lead to the three-language formula being applied to students entering Class 6, with gradual implementation.
• Approximately six lakh students study French and 1.5 lakh study German across various schools in India, including CBSE-affiliated institutions.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Three-language formula: A policy in India promoting the study of three languages, typically English, Hindi, and a regional language, in schools.
• National Education Policy (NEP): A comprehensive framework guiding the development of education in India, aiming for holistic and multidisciplinary learning.
• CBSE: The Central Board of Secondary Education, a national-level board of education in India for public and private schools.