CBSE has announced major curriculum changes under NEP, including the three-language formula from Class 6 and a two-level system for mathematics and science from Class 9 starting in the 2026–27 academic session.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a refreshed curriculum, marking the beginning of major academic changes from the 2026–27 session. As part of this update, a phased rollout of the three-language formula will begin from Class 6, officials confirmed on Friday.
Under the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP), the three-language system will officially come into effect for Class 6 students starting in 2026. Alongside this, CBSE will also bring in a two-level structure for Class 9, offering students the option to choose between standard and advanced courses in subjects like mathematics and science.
This move aims to provide greater flexibility and allow students to learn at a pace and depth that suits their academic needs.
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Languages will now be taught through a structured three-language framework divided into stages—R1, R2, and R3. As per the recommendations of the new National Curriculum Framework (NCF), at least two of these three languages must be Indian.
Continuing its phased approach toward multilingual education, the board has decided to make a third language compulsory from Class 6 starting in the 2026–27 academic session. This move aims to ensure that every student learns a minimum of two Indian languages, a senior board official stated.
While the board prefers students to follow the same language scheme, some flexibility has been allowed in special cases. For instance, students returning from foreign schools—where the third language studied till Class 8 or 9 may not be available in India—can be given an exemption as per approved guidelines. However, they will still need to study the required number of subjects under the overall scheme, a senior official clarified.
At the same time, mathematics and science are set to undergo a significant change with the introduction of a two-level system from the 2026–27 academic session.
Under this system, all students will study the standard curriculum and appear for a common 80-mark exam of three hours. Those who wish to go a step further can opt for an additional ‘advanced’ level in either or both subjects. This advanced level will have a separate one-hour paper of 25 marks, aimed at testing deeper understanding and higher-order thinking skills.
Taking the standard exam will be mandatory for all students, while the advanced paper will remain optional. Importantly, marks from the advanced paper will not be included in the overall aggregate. Instead, students who score 50% or above in it will have their advanced-level achievement mentioned separately on their mark sheet.
The two-level system for mathematics and science will begin with Class 9 students in the 2026–27 session, and the first batch to appear for Class 10 board exams under this new structure will do so in 2028.