CBSE issues fresh R3 guidelines; schools get May 31 deadline to finalise Class 6 third language
The Central Board of Secondary Education has issued a follow-up notice on implementing the third language (R3) for Class 6 from the 2026–27 academic session, giving affiliated schools until May 31, 2026 to update their selections on the OASIS portal. The directive, aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, reiterates the push for multilingual education.
The board said several schools have already submitted their third-language choices, but some have not completed the process, and others have entered options that do not comply with policy guidelines. To address this, CBSE has provided another opportunity for schools to review and correct entries, stressing that timely and accurate submission is essential for smooth implementation.
CBSE informed schools that official textbooks for scheduled languages will be made available on the National Council of Educational Research and Training and CBSE websites before July 1, 2026. For languages not included in the scheduled list, institutions have been advised to use study materials provided by State Councils of Educational Research and Training or other state-recognised sources.
Schools offering non-scheduled languages must ensure their curriculum adheres to the competency-based framework outlined in NCFSE-2023 to maintain uniform academic standards. Institutions that have not yet introduced at least two native Indian languages under the R1, R2 and R3 structure have been directed to begin classes from July 1, 2026.
The board has urged schools to treat the rollout as a priority, adding that regional offices will actively monitor compliance and provide assistance where needed. Under CBSE’s three-language formula, students study three languages from Class 6 onwards, with an emphasis on promoting at least two Indian languages.
The move is aimed at strengthening linguistic skills, encouraging cultural understanding and fostering national integration among students. With the deadline approaching, schools are expected to expedite updates and align with the national education framework.