The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India has asked all affiliated schools to urgently speed up the rollout of the third language (R3) for Class VI students ahead of the 2026–27 academic year.
In a fresh directive, CBSE said several schools are yet to complete the required process under the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, while some institutions have submitted language options that do not comply with policy guidelines.
May 31 deadline for schools
The Board has now made it compulsory for all schools, including schools in UAE, to upload and finalise their third-language selections on the OASIS portal by May 31.
Schools that entered incorrect or non-approved language options have also been instructed to correct their submissions before the deadline.
Textbooks to arrive by July
The Board said textbooks for scheduled Indian languages will be available on the CBSE and National Council of Educational Research and Training platforms from July 1.
For non-scheduled languages, schools can use SCERT or state-approved textbooks, provided they align with the learning outcomes set under NCFSE-2023.
Focus on Indian languages
The Board reiterated that schools must offer at least two Indian languages under the R1, R2 and R3 language structure. Institutions that have not yet begun implementation have been directed to start teaching on July 1.
Push for full implementation
With timelines now clearly defined, CBSE is increasing pressure on schools to complete all pending formalities before the new academic session begins.