CBSE Overhauls Curriculum: Three Languages from Class 6, Tiered Math and Science

New Delhi, India – The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced a major overhaul of its school curriculum on Friday, introducing a mandatory three-language formula starting from Class 6 and a two-tier system for mathematics and science from Class 9, effective in the 2026-27 academic session.

The changes, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), aim to promote multilingualism, flexibility in learning, and skill-based education. Officials stated that the reforms will affect millions of students across affiliated schools in India, gradually rolling out to ensure a smooth transition. The full implementation of the three-language requirement in Class 10 board examinations is scheduled for 2031.

Under the new language framework, structured across stages R1, R2, and R3, students from Class 6 will study three languages, with at least two being native to India. A senior CBSE official explained, "In continuation of the board's phased implementation of multilingual education, a third language will be made mandatory from Class 6 with effect from the academic session 2026-27, ensuring that every learner studies at least...