The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has updated its CBSE Class 10 passing criteria for upcoming batches. According to the latest official circular, students must pass a school-based internal assessment in their third language (R3) to successfully secure their CBSE Secondary School Examination Pass Certificate.

While there will be no separate CBSE board exam for the third language for these transition batches, the school-level evaluation is mandatory to clear Class 10. Students can access the preliminary framework guidelines through the CBSE Three-Language Press Release.

Key Highlights of the NEP Three Language Formula

• Target Batches: The new mandate applies to students entering Class 9 in the 2026–27 academic year and moving into Class 10 in 2027–28.

• No Board Exam: There will be no central board question paper for the third language (R3); evaluation is 100% internal.

• Bhartiya Bhashas Mandate: In line with NEP 2020 language policy, students must study three languages, and at least two must be native Indian languages.

• Exempted Batch: The current CBSE Class 10 batch (2026–27) is exempt and will follow the traditional two-language system.

CBSE Promotion Policy and Reassessment Rules

Internal Assessment Marking Scheme (100 Marks)

The CBSE third language syllabus will be evaluated out of 100 marks at the school level using this structure:

• Listening & Speaking Skills: 40 Marks

• Reading Comprehension: 20 Marks

• Project Work & Portfolio: 15 Marks

• Creative Writing: 15 Marks

• General Writing: 10 Marks

The Ministry of Education and CBSE are currently defending this timeline in the Supreme Court against petitions pushing for a 2029 delay. For official notifications and the complete list of approved languages, visit the official CBSE academic website at cbseacademic.nic.in.