CBSE R3 Policy: To strengthen the CBSE’s R3 policy under the NEP 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made the third language a mandatory subject to qualify for students of Classes 9 and 10. Even if class 9 students fail to pass the internal assessment for the third language, they will be promoted to Class 10th. But they are required to clear the school-based assessment test in the following academic year. Qualification in the internal assessment test for the third language is mandatory, irrespective of the academic year, for students to clear the test.
Third Language Qualification Mandatory To Get Class 10th Pass Certificate
CBSE has released a circular on July 10 for the CBSE R3 framework. According to it, CBSE Class 12th students must clear the school-based assessment test for the third language to get the Class 10th pass certificate. In case a student fails to pass, the school has to conduct a reassessment test before the Board results are announced. Students must note that there will not be any external board examination for the third language, yet clearing the internal assessment is mandatory to receive the Secondary School Examination pass certificate.
Class 9 Students Will Get Another Opportunity
For CBSE Class 9th students, the circular clarifies that if students fail in the third language internal assessment, they will still be promoted to Class 10th for the 2027-28 academic year. Such candidates will then have to clear the internal assessment test in the following academic year while continuing their Class 10th studies. Through this, the Board ensures that students are not held back in Class 9th and continue their academic progress, yet meet the R3 language policy criteria before getting their pass certificate.
CBSE R3 Policy Under NEP 2020
Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, CBSE has announced that the three-language formula would be implemented from the 2026-27 academic year for Class 6 onwards. According to this system, at least two of the three chosen languages must be native Indian languages, aiming to promote multilingualism and cultural rootedness. The third language, or R3, transitions into a compulsory subject starting from Class 9 in the 2026–27 academic year and Class 10 in 2027–28.