Class 9 Students Must Clear Internally Assessed Third Language to Get Class 10 Pass Certificate

Hyderabad: IX under Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Class X students will have to pass the internally assessed third language test before the Class X results are released to receive the pass certificate. The subject will not be subject to board examination for this group. While some welcomed the latest clarification, others questioned why CBSE had issued the rules through several circulars after the academic year had started.

The existing Class X batch is exempt from the R3 requirement. IX in the 2026-27 period. Students studying in the classroom must acquire three languages, including at least two Indian languages, and the third language will be assessed by their school.

A student who fails to pass R3 in Class IX may proceed to Class X and attempt the assessment again. However, the student has to clear the subject before the Class X result is declared. Vice-chairman of Sahodaya School Complex, Hyderabad, Dr. B. Ebenezer said that the issue would also be recorded in the certificate.

Dr. Ebenezer said previous circulars left schools uncertain about R1, R2 and R3, the classes that would be exempt and how the rule would be introduced. The latest circular answered most of these questions.

“CBSE has now given a clear picture of what it expects when it comes to teaching and assessment. This has brought a sigh of relief for CBSE schools,” he said.

According to Dr Ebenezer, the circular almost resembled a set of frequently asked questions. CBSE appears to have collected questions sent by schools and published grade-wise answers on what is compulsory, what is allowed and how students will be evaluated. He said schools now have little reason to remain worried. “Doubts have been clarified. I don’t see any reason why schools shouldn’t embrace this and address it without concern.”

However, parents said the Board should issue a complete set of instructions before schools finalize their programs and language choices.

“The concern is the way CBSE is issuing statements one after another,” said Srinivas, a parent. “They keep changing the rules, it causes a lot of confusion.”

“The latest circular is a relief because students are getting opportunities in Classes IX and X, but schools need to clearly explain how an internally assessed issue will impact Class X certification,” he added.

Students said the absence of board exams and the chance to clear R3 again in Class X had relieved some of the pressure. They remained concerned about the extra workload during Class IX and said repeated announcements left them uncertain about the curriculum, the assessment process and the consequences of failing the third language.