I have German or French in Class 7, do I need to study Sanskrit now? CBSE 3 Language Policy Explained

Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE has recently released the revised document on its Three Language Policy for students of Classes 6 to 10. After the announcement from Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the revised policy allows students in present Class 9 and 10 to be exempt from studying an additional ‘Bhartiya Bhasha’ or native Indian language for the respective academic years 2026-27 and 2027-28. But the question remains in the minds of many parents and students - what of students studying in present class 6, 7 and 8 in a CBSE school. The question - I have German/ French (or any such foreign language) in Class 7 - do I need to study Sanskrit or any other native Indian Language now? 

Short answer - Yes. All students in present class 6 to 8 are now mandated to study at least two-native Indian languages and one additional language which could be English. Does it have to be Sanskrit? Do they have to leave the foreign language, whether they have to appear for a board examination, what would be the syllabus and all such questions, let us try and understand. 

CBSE 3 Language Policy Breakdown - What it is and how it impacts students in different classes

CBSE’s recently detailed circular has explicitly explained the three language policy as it stands now. Let us try to give it in plain tabulated structure for better understanding. Please note, the three language formula is only applicable for CBSE schools in India and not abroad. Also, students under CWSN (children with special needs) and foreign return students studying in India are exempt from three language policy and may choose any language combination as per existing policy.

So, to simply answer, all students from present Class 6 to present Class 9 must now study two non-native Indian languages and can study 1 non-native language like English, French, German, etc.

Changes expected at School Level

While policy allows students to continue studying the foreign languages opted for, the fact remains that schools may choose to discontinue offering foreign languages beyond the next academic year. This is not because CBSE has asked them to, but because it would become logistically difficult for the schools.

What parents and students need to understand is that adding another language is not merely about hiring a teacher to teach the subject. Schools are also constrained by their time tables. The number of periods usually offered in a school range from 35 to 45 teaching periods in a week. Within this, schools must accommodate 3 languages along with the core subjects of Mathematics, Science and Social Sciences. To this, schools also need to add periods like Computers/ AI, dedicated sports or physical training periods and creative or fine arts periods like music, dance, etc. 

Given these constraints, on an average schools have to teach about 8 to 9 subjects to all students of Classes 6 to 8 and about 6 to 7 subjects for students of classes 9 and 10. Mandatory three languages already add one more subject to the Class 10 board examination routine - internal or otherwise. 

It is thus highly probable that the schools may withdraw the options of foreign languages for your child. Many schools have already adjusted the time table for class 6 students and made two native languages plus English as mandatory subjects. Options in native languages will also be curtailed due to availability of relevant language teachers in a particular state/ region. 

What to do if you want to study Foreign Languages?

Honest opinion, continuing a foreign language at school is not recommended anymore, even if the school offers. If you are inclined, taking up a language course from a dedicated and certified language institute like Goethe Institute for German and Allianz Francais for French would be better. There are also certificate courses available from other institutes which would actually add value to the child’s education and academic record.