A view of the Shiksha Sadan which homes the CBSE at Rouse Avenue in New Delhi. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out its new curriculum, launching a phased implementation of the three-language formula from Class 6 and a two-level system of arithmetic and science for Class 9 beginning within the 2026-27 educational session, officers stated on Friday (April 3, 2026).
While the three-language formula mandated below the brand new National Education Policy (NEP) can be carried out from 2026 for Class 6, introduction of the two-level system of necessary commonplace and optionally available superior programs in arithmetic and science can be accomplished for Class 9.
“Languages are organised through a structured three-language framework across stages: R1, R2 and R3. As per recommendations of 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 stated.
“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.
Mathematics and science will see a significant structural shift with the introduction of a two-level system beginning within the 2026–27 educational session.
“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 should mandatorily take the usual examination, whereas the superior paper stays optionally available. Importantly, efficiency within the superior paper won’t be added to the general combination; as a substitute, college students scoring 50 per cent or above may have the advanced-level qualification mirrored individually of their mark sheet,” the official said.
The two-level system (standard and advanced) in mathematics and science will begin in the 2026–27 academic session for Class 9 students, and the first board exams for Class 10 students with this structure will be held in 2028 for that cohort.
Published – April 03, 2026 03:07 pm IST
