CBSE New Language Policy 2026 for Class 9: French, German & English Rules Explained
CBSE New Language Policy 2026The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a major change in the language subject structure for Class 9 students from the 2026-27 academic session. As per CBSE’s New Language Policy, students entering Class 9 from July 1, 2026, will have to study three languages, marked as R1, R2 and R3.
Two languages must be native Indian languages. This means students who want to continue foreign languages such as French, German, Spanish or Japanese will need to plan their subject combination carefully.
What Is The New Rule About Language In CBSE?
The CBSE 3 language policy for class 9 students will no longer study only two languages. They will have to choose three languages:
- R1: First language
- R2: Second language
- R3: Third language
Two must be native Indian languages. English does not count as a native Indian language for this requirement. So, students studying in English-medium schools can be affected the most.
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Can Students Continue French, German Or Spanish In CBSE Class 9?
Yes, students can continue French, German, Spanish, Japanese or other foreign languages. But there are conditions.
CBSE’s New Language Policy, students can study a foreign language in either of these two ways:
Take Foreign Language As R3
Students can take a foreign language as the third language only if the other two languages are native Indian languages.
Subject Slot | Language Type | Example |
R1 | Indian Language | Hindi |
R2 | Indian Language | Sanskrit / Tamil / Bengali / Marathi |
R3 | Foreign Language | French / German / Spanish / Japanese |
Foreign Language As An Additional Fourth Language
Students can keep English and two Indian languages as the main three languages. Then they can take French, German or another foreign language as an additional fourth language.
Subject Slot | Language Type | Example |
R1 | English | English |
R2 | Indian Language 1 | Hindi |
R3 | Indian Language 2 | Sanskrit / Tamil / Bengali / Marathi |
R4 | Additional Foreign Language | French / German / Spanish / Japanese |
Why Are English-Medium Students Concerned?
Many students in CBSE schools have been learning foreign languages like French or German from middle school.
- Drop English and study 2 Indian languages + 1 foreign language
- Keep English with 2 Indian languages and choose a foreign language as a fourth subject
What Is The New 3 Language Policy?
The new 3 language policy means students will study three languages at the secondary level. In CBSE schools, the rule requires students to choose R1, R2 and R3.
- Three languages are compulsory in Class 9.
- Two must be native Indian languages.
- English does not count as a native Indian language.
- Foreign languages like French or German can continue only under specific subject combinations.
- R3 will be assessed internally, not through the Class 10 board exam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: What is the new CBSE language policy for Class 9?
Ans: From the 2026-27 session, Class 9 students must study three languages — R1, R2 and R3.
Ques: How many Indian languages are compulsory under the new rule?
Ans: Students must study at least two native Indian languages.
Ques: Can students continue French or German in Class 9?
Ans: Yes, students can continue foreign languages like French or German under specific subject combinations.
Ques: Does English count as a native Indian language?
Ans: No, English will not be counted as a native Indian language under the new policy.
Ques: Will R3 language be part of the Class 10 board exam?
Ans: No, the R3 language will be assessed internally and not through the Class 10 board exam.