CBSE Third Language Rule 2026 — Sanskrit & Regional Languages Replace French & German: Full Details

A major change is underway. Starting from the 2026-27 academic session, CBSE has made Indian languages—rather than French or German—mandatory as the Third Language for Class 6 students. This change is being implemented in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

If your child is currently in Class 6, this news is of utmost importance to you.

What Has Changed?

According to the new CBSE curriculum, studying three languages ​​starting from Class 6 is now mandatory. Of these, two languages ​​must be Indian languages. In English-medium schools, English already counts as a non-Indian language; therefore, there is no longer any room for French or German.

On April 9, 2026, CBSE issued a circular directing all schools to implement this change within seven days.

CBSE Third Language Rule 2026: Key Changes

The table below highlights the key changes introduced under the CBSE third language rule from the 2026–27 academic session. 

CBSE directed schools through an April 9, 2026, circular to begin implementation within seven days. Institutions must finalise the third language and inform regional offices. The selected language will continue as an option in Classes 9 and 10 for the same cohort.

Which Languages ​​Will Now Be Available?

Schools are now offering one of the following languages—Sanskrit, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Bengali, or Marathi—as the Third Language (R3) for Class 6. Each school is determining its specific options based on its regional language mapping.

What Will Happen to Foreign Languages?

Some schools may continue to offer French and German as "Club Periods" or during activity classes. Students in Classes 7 through 10 will continue to study foreign languages ​​this year, just as they have in the past. However, by 2030, foreign languages ​​will be completely phased out from all classes.

What Will Happen to Foreign Language Teachers?

This is a primary concern for schools. Teachers of French and German will continue to work with Classes 7–10 for the next four years. Subsequently, they will be required to complete a B.Ed. degree or pass the CTET examination to qualify to teach other subjects.

Important Note: A Rule for Schools

CBSE has clarified that the specific R3 language a school selects for Class 6 this year will be the only language available as the Third Language option for Classes 9 and 10. Therefore, schools must make this decision with great care and deliberation.

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