- By Chetna Rathore
- Sat, 11 Apr 2026 03:54 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
CBSE R3 Model: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has implemented a new language policy known as R3 model, in which students from Class 6 have to study three languages. R1 and R2 belong to the native language options, and R3 includes foreign languages. This new rule has caused a stir among students and teachers on decoding how to teach English.
Since it has been removed from the basic language list and included in the foreign language option, students are wondering which language to choose to benefit their future academic path.
What’s CBSE’s New R1, R2, & R3 Model?
According to the CBSE’s new language policy, from 2026-27 academic session, a third language is compulsory from Class 6. Students have to study three languages, with two being the native languages focusing on enhancing regional and multilingual education. The third language must be selected from the list of foreign languages with English being one of them.
The National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 advised students to continue leaving all three languages through Classes 9 and 10, ensuring language proficiency.
CBSE R3 Model: CBSE’s Latest Directives To Schools
In a recent notice, CBSE has directed all affiliated schools to start complying with the new language policy without waiting for the official textbooks to be available. The Board has confirmed that textbooks with updated changes will be provided soon. CBSE has called the decision "urgent and mandatory".
What Parents Argue?
In response to the new policy, parents argued that students must be allowed to choose the foreign language that benefits them in higher education. Since R1 and R2 correspond to native languages, English being in the foreign language list has restricted them to explore other foreign languages. They have called this decision of the government to be wrong and must be reversed.