CBSE rolls out reforms: 3-language formula from class 6 by 2026, two-level maths & science in class 9

THe telephone exchange room of Secondary breeding (CBSE) on th rolling out major reforms in its scheme of studies, announcing a phased implementation of the three-language formula — from Class 6 in 2026–27 and set to become fully operational up to Class 10 by 2030–31 — and the introduction of a two-level system of mandatory standard and optional advanced courses in mathematics and science for Class 9 starting in the 2026–27 academic session.In addition, Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence (CT and AI) is likely to be phased in from the 2027–28 academic session and become compulsorily assessed in board examinations from 2029, said CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh.The changes operationalise ideas first mooted as part of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 and are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It will mean that students currently enrolled in Class 9 might face a significantly revamped secondary school curriculum and board examination pattern in 2028.Under the new CBSE secondary school curriculum released on Thursday, language subjects will be organised into three levels—R1, R2 and R3—as part of a structured three-language model. R1 (Language 1) will be the student’s main or strongest language, studied at a higher level, R2 (Language 2) is a different language, studied at a slightly different level. The third language (R3) will be compulsory from Class 6 starting this academic session 2026-27 and extended progressively to Class 10 by 2030-31. During the transition phase, students will be required to study and pass a third language as part of their secondary schooling.Also Read: CBSE introduces AI learning from Class 3The languages chosen at R1 and R2 will be different; the same language cannot be offered simultaneously at more than one level. According to the curriculum document, even when the same textbook is used until the availability of separate language textbooks for different levels, “the syllabus will be different for R1 and R2 levels and the assessment will also be different.”The document indicated that students studying the same language might face different question papers and difficulty levels in the board exams, depending on whether they are taking it at the R1 or R2 level.“As per the recommendations of NCF-SE-2023, two out of these three languages must be languages native to India,” the document stated. CBSE has listed 44 languages covering all languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.“Currently all the language subjects are treated at the same level so we have a very complicated datesheet and 2027 board exams will be the last board exams as per the current language textbooks. 2028 will be the first year where we will have two languages compulsorily – one at R1 level and other at R2 level. The datesheet for board exams of Class 10 exam in 2028 will be made accordingly and exam of language subjects will be held for two days – one day for R1 and second day for R2 and 2031 onwards will be held for three days – one day for R1 level, second day for R2 level and third day for R3 level,” CBSE chairperson Rahul Singh said on Thursday during a webinar on the new scheme.Mathematics and science will see a major structural shift with the introduction of a two-level system starting in the 2026–27 academic session, according to the curriculum document.Also Read: JEE (Main) 2026 exam begins in Saudi Arabia: What you need to knowAll 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 (HOTS) and deeper conceptual understanding. Students must mandatorily take the standard exam, while the advanced paper remains optional. Importantly, performance in the advanced paper will not be added to the overall aggregate; instead, students scoring 50% or above will have the advanced level qualification reflected separately in their marksheet.According to the document, the internal assessment component of 20 marks will remain unchanged and will not have an advanced differentiation.The reform will replace the existing basic and standard mathematics system, aiming to provide flexibility while “promoting conceptual depth”.The two-level system (standard + 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.Social Science at the secondary stage will be updated with new textbooks and a stronger focus on competency-based, analytical learning aligned with NCFSE 2023. Covering History, Geography, Political Science and Economics, the subject will emphasise inquiry, case studies, map and data analysis, and real-life applications to build critical thinking and understanding of social and civic processes.However, the assessment structure will remain unchanged, with an 80-mark Class 10 board examination and 20 marks of internal assessment, continuing the existing pattern while shifting the focus towards application and reasoning, the document said.Alongside core subjects – languages, mathematics, science, social science – CBSE will introduce key curricular areas including Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Vocational Education, Physical Education and Well-being, and Interdisciplinary Studies, it added.CBSE chairperson Rahul Singh said: “CT and AI comes in the year after that in 2029 that will be compulsorily assessed in board examinations… CT and AI will be externally evaluated.”The other areas—Vocational Education, Physical Education, Art Education, and Interdisciplinary Studies (Individuals in Society in Class 9 and Environment in Class 9)—focusing on civic understanding, sustainability, and real-world application of knowledge—will be internally assessed by schools through practical, competency-based methods, according to the document. “These are meaningful subjects... We will prepare rubrics for internal assessment..,” Singh said.