CBSE revamps syllabus, introduces three-language formula from Class 6

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled a new curriculum, introducing a phased rollout of the three-language formula from Class 6 and a two-tier system in mathematics and science for Class 9, to be implemented from the 2026–27 academic session, officials said on Friday.

Under the revised structure aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), the three-language formula will be implemented for Class 6 students from 2026. Additionally, Class 9 will see the introduction of standard (mandatory) and advanced (optional) levels in mathematics and science.

"Languages are organised through a structured three-language framework across stages: R1, R2 and R3. As per the recommendations of the new National Curriculum Framework (NCF), two of these three languages must be native to India. In continuation of the board's phased implementation of multilingual education, a third language will be made mandatory from Class 6 with effect from the academic session 2026-27, ensuring that every learner studies at least two Indian languages," a senior board official said.

"While it is desirable that the same scheme of languages is adopted, under exceptional circumstances for students returning from foreign schools where the third language studied till Class 8 or 9 is not available in domestic schools, such students may be exempted as per approved norms. However, such students will be required to study the total number of subjects as stipulated in the scheme of studies," the official added.

A key reform in Class 9 will be the introduction of a two-level system in mathematics and science beginning in 2026–27, reported PTI.

"All students will study the standard curriculum and appear for a common 80-mark examination of three hours; those opting for higher proficiency can choose an additional 'advanced' level in either or both subjects. This advanced component will consist of a separate 25-mark, one-hour paper designed to test higher-order thinking skills and deeper conceptual understanding.

"Students must mandatorily take the standard exam, while the advanced paper remains optional. Importantly, performance in the advanced paper will not be added to the overall aggregate; instead, students scoring 50 per cent or above will have the advanced-level qualification reflected separately in their mark sheet," the official said.

The new two-level structure will apply to Class 9 students from the 2026–27 session, with the first batch appearing for Class 10 board exams under this system in 2028.