CBSE has also clarified that the same three-language combination studied in Class 8 will continue in Class 9
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has said that students must pass the school-based Third Language (R3) assessment during Class 10 to receive the Secondary School Examination Pass Certificate, even though the subject will not be part of the board examination for students entering Class 10 from the 2027–28 academic session.
In a circular issued on July 10, the CBSE said students who fail the R3 assessment in Class 10 will be given one re-assessment opportunity before the declaration of results.
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CBSE also clarified that students promoted to Class 10 despite not clearing R3 in Class 9 must pass the school-based assessment in Class 10 to qualify for the final pass certificate.
The three-language formula continues in Class 9
For students enrolled in Class 9 in 2026–27, CBSE said the existing three-language structure will continue. Students must study three languages, with at least two being Bharatiya Bhashas, subject to specified relaxations and exemptions. One of these languages will be designated as R3.
The board also clarified that the same three-language combination studied in Class 8 will continue in Class 9.
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Examples of Bharatiya Bhashas include Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Odia, and Assamese. Non-Indian language options include English, French, German, Arabic, and Spanish.
To support implementation, NCERT has uploaded R3 language learning resources on its website for schools and students.
No change for current Class 10 students
CBSE said students studying in Class 10 during the 2026–27 academic session will continue under the existing two-language system. This batch will not be required to study or appear for a third language.
Third language to remain school-based
The board reiterated that the third language will be assessed exclusively through an internal school-based assessment and will not be included in the CBSE board examination when the current Class 9 batch progresses to Class 10 in 2027–28.
The assessment framework notified for Class 9 (2026–27) and Class 10 (2027–28) will apply to these students, CBSE said.
