NEW DELHI: Revamping a course of study aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Friday announced a new curriculum framework that will introduce a three-language formula from Class 6 and a two-level system in mathematics and science for Class 9, beginning the 2026-27 academic session.
The new framework shows a shift in how subjects are structured and assessed, with a focus on flexibility, multilingualism, and competency-based learning.
According to officials, the three-language formula will be implemented in a phased manner, with students from Class 6 required to study three languages, at least two of which must be Indian. The languages will be organised under a structured framework comprising R1, R2, and R3 levels, as recommended by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
The third language (R3) will be introduced for Class 6 students from the 2026-27 session, ensuring that learners study a minimum of two Indian languages. However, officials clarified that the R3 component will not yet be mandatory for Class 9 students. Full implementation of the three-language formula will take effect when the current Class 6 batch appears for board examinations in 2031.
CBSE stated that the provisions for exemptions will remain in place for students returning from foreign schools where the third language studied is not available in India, though they will still be required to meet the overall subject requirements.
A major structural reform will also be introduced in mathematics and science at the secondary level. From Class 9 onwards, students will follow a two-tier system comprising a mandatory standard level and an optional advanced level. All students will appear for a common three-hour, 80-mark standard examination. Those opting for deeper subject engagement can take an additional one-hour advanced paper of 25 marks, designed to assess higher-order thinking and conceptual understanding.
Importantly, performance in the advanced paper will not be added to the overall aggregate score. Instead, students securing 50 per cent or more in the advanced component will have this achievement recorded separately on their mark sheets. The first batch of students to take Class 10 board examinations under this new system will do so in 2028.
The board is also expanding its focus on emerging skills, with computational thinking and artificial intelligence being gradually integrated into the curriculum. These subjects have already been introduced as modules with internal assessments for Classes 9 and 10 and will become compulsory board examination subjects for Class 10 by 2029. Foundational exposure has also been initiated for students from Classes 3 to 8.
In addition, CBSE has made art education, vocational education, and physical education mandatory for Classes 9 and 10. While art and physical education will continue to be assessed through internal school-based evaluations, vocational education will become a compulsory subject with an annual or board examination from the 2027-28 academic session.
Officials said the changes are aimed at promoting holistic development, skill-based learning, and greater academic flexibility, in line with the broader objectives of the NEP.