CBSE Expediates Introduction of Third Language in Schools for Academic Session 2026-27

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has expedited the process of introducing a third language in schools. The board has directed all affiliated schools to complete the selection of a third language (R3) for Class 6 at the earliest and update its information on the Oasis portal. CBSE has clarified that this arrangement will be mandatory from the academic session 2026-27. For this, schools have been given a last chance till 31 May 2026. Action can also be taken against schools that do not follow the rules after the stipulated deadline. This decision has been taken on the basis of the National Curriculum Framework - School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. CBSE has accelerated this direction after the circular issued in April 2026. Many schools have already uploaded their third language option, but some schools are still behind or have not selected the language as per the rules. According to the board, textbooks of languages included in the list of the constitution will be made available on the NCERT website before 1 July 2026 and if a school does not follow the rules, it will be approved at the state level.