CBSE Mandates One Indian 'Regional' Language And Eases Two-Language Rule For Foreign Schools

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has eased its language requirements for schools located abroad, allowing them to offer one compulsory Indian language instead of two, as part of its newly unveiled curriculum framework for Classes 9 and 10 to be implemented from the 2026–27 academic session.

Announcing the change, Dr Pragya M. Singh, Professor and Director (Academic), CBSE, said that foreign schools will be given flexibility in meeting language requirements. “Schools situated in foreign countries are exempted for this… they may offer one compulsory language native to India in lieu of the requirement of two Indian languages,” she said.

The move marks a departure from the earlier structure where students were typically required to study two languages at the secondary level. The relaxation is proposed with a view to address the practical challenges faced by international schools. The challenges include the absence of Indian language options and the diversity of the student profile.

Exemptions for returning students under special cases

The Board has also made provisions for students who are shifting from foreign schools in India. Dr Singh noted that flexibility would be extended in cases where students have not followed the three-language structure earlier. “There are certain relaxations… for children who are coming back from foreign schools… as a special case this would be exempted,” she said.

She further explained that if a student has studied a third language up to Class 8 or 9 that is not available in the new school, exemption may be granted. “While it is desirable that the same scheme of language is adopted, under exceptional circumstances… such students may be exempted on a case-by-case basis as per approved norms at the request of the school,” she added.

However, CBSE has clarified that even in such cases, students will still be required to meet the overall subject requirements under the prescribed Scheme of Studies.