The CBSE third language assessment will become mandatory for Class 9 and Class 10 students under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. CBSE announced the new rule through a circular issued on July 10. From the 2027-28 academic session, students must pass the school-based internal assessment. Although the subject will not appear in the Class 10 board exam, students must clear it to receive the Secondary School Examination pass certificate.
The revised policy will apply to students entering Class 9 in 2026-27 and Class 10 in 2027-28. Students who fail the CBSE third language assessment in Class 10 will get another chance. Schools must conduct a reassessment before the final board results. Therefore, students can still qualify if they pass the reassessment on time.
Class 10 pass certificate now depends on the third language assessment.
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Class 9 students will also follow the new rule. If they fail the internal assessment, schools will still promote them to Class 10. However, they must clear the pending CBSE third language assessment during the next academic year. This system prevents unnecessary detention while ensuring students meet the language requirement before completing secondary education.
Earlier, many students stopped studying the third language after Class 8. However, CBSE has extended the three-language formula from Class 6 under NEP 2020. Students must study three languages, with at least two Indian languages. Those studying a foreign language can continue it. Still, they must also learn another Indian language.
Meanwhile, the revised policy faces a legal challenge in court. The Centre has defended the decision and said it supports multilingual education, cognitive growth, and cultural diversity. Even so, CBSE has confirmed that the CBSE third language assessment remains mandatory from the 2027-28 session. Schools, students, and parents will closely follow its implementation in the coming years.
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