India, May 17 -- The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated the study of three languages, including at least two native Indian languages, for class 9 and 10 students from July 1, according to a circular, a month after the board made the scheme compulsory for class 6 students. The board, however, has clarified that "no student will be barred from appearing in the Class X Board Examinations" due to the third language.

The move comes weeks after the board had on April 2 rolled 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 manda...