CBSE has introduced a new three-language formula for Class 6, under which English has been placed in the foreign language category. This is causing difficulties for schools in determining how to teach English and native languages.
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CBSE’s New Rules: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has formulated a new curriculum for Class 6 students, based on a “three-language formula” categorized as R-1, R-2, and R-3—a framework that is currently entangling teachers in a dilemma regarding the choice of “native” languages.
According to a circular issued by the Board, English—which serves as the second official language under the Indian Constitution—has been included as an option within the category of “foreign languages.” Under the new regulations, students are now required to select either English or another foreign language as their third language. Consequently, schools are struggling to determine whether or not they should be teaching English. Furthermore, they remain uncertain regarding what specific content to teach students in their respective native languages.
Mandatory to Teach Two Indian Languages out of Three
A significant change has been introduced for the academic session 2026-27 under the National Education Policy. It will now be mandatory for schools to teach two Indian languages out of the three languages offered to students. However, the Board has left it to the schools to decide which specific Indian language should be selected as the second language—a decision-making process that has become a source of considerable difficulty for teachers.
Teachers Launch Protest Against CBSE
The Board has issued a circular requiring schools to submit a report within a week, specifying which native languages are currently being taught within the institution. Teachers of foreign languages have launched a protest against the CBSE. They argue that if English is no longer classified as a native language, students will accord higher priority to English as a foreign language subject.
In such a scenario, what will become of the teachers who teach languages such as French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and others? Their careers have effectively been placed in jeopardy.
Students to Study Languages of Various States
India is home to a multitude of spoken languages; consequently, students will now be able to study languages such as Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Telugu, Gujarati, Tamil, Urdu, Kannada, Odia, and Malayalam. However, foreign languages—including French, German, Japanese, English, Arabic, and Persian—will no longer be available for students to opt for as academic subjects in schools.
It is Essential for Children to Know a Foreign Language
Parents assert that every child should be proficient in at least one foreign language. Students begin preparing for their careers as early as the fifth grade. They opt to learn—right from their school days—the specific language of the country where they aspire to pursue their higher studies; this provides them with a distinct advantage, often translating into scholarships for their higher education. The Board’s decision in this regard is flawed and ought to be reversed.
