Students in Classes 7, 8, & 9 can continue learning foreign languages this year: Education Ministry sources

Students studying in Classes 7, 8 and 9 in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliated schools can continue learning foreign languages under the three-language policy until they finish Class 10, sources in the Ministry of Education stated on Friday (June 26, 2026)

The clarification comes over a month after CBSE stated that students in Class 9 must study three languages, of which two should be native to India, come July 1 in the 2026-27 academic year.

This led to CBSE schools instructing their students who had opted for foreign languages like French, German, Spanish and so on to switch to a native language, in case they are already studying English.

There are at least six lakh students who study French and 1.5 lakh students who study German in all schools across India spread across various grades, including CBSE schools.

Embassies resist phasing out

An official spokesperson from the German Embassy confirmed that the diplomatic mission is in touch with the Government of India over the issue.

Sources also stated that there had been a pushback by German and French Embassies against the Centre’s three-language formula which will gradually lead to phasing out of foreign language teaching from CBSE schools by 2030-31, if not sooner.

Sources have clarified that the three-language formula will apply to students entering Class 6 who will have to study three languages, two of which will be native to India.

The CBSE circular led to protests from parents, students and teachers, who had approached Supreme Court against the abrupt switch, arguing that students in Class 9 who have already studied a foreign language for the past three to four years will find it very difficult to suddenly switch their language option.

Revised circular soon

CBSE is expected to reverse its May 15 circular which had mandated a three-language formula under the National Education Policy to be applied to Class 9 students, the sources added.

The clarification comes over a week after the Supreme Court refused to grant interim relief on petitions challenging the implementation of CBSE’s three-language policy for Class 9 students in 2026-27.

It is expected that CBSE will withdraw the latest circular in light of the controversy and will direct schools to gradually implement the three-language policy over five consecutive academic years up to 2030-31, rather than rolling it out for all classes from 2026-27.