In this article, we will discuss the advantages and various aspects of Foreign Language Training Made Compulsory in Select CBSE Schools; read and get into the details.

Foreign Language Training Made Compulsory in Select CBSE Schools

In a bold step towards fostering global readiness among Indian students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made foreign language education compulsory in select schools starting the 2025–26 academic year. The move is part of a broader vision to prepare students for global academic and career opportunities while also promoting cognitive and cultural enrichment through multilingualism.

This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for a holistic and flexible curriculum, allowing students to develop practical skills in real-world languages beyond their regional mother tongues.

Languages Offered and Implementation Strategy

As per the directive, CBSE-affiliated schools—especially those in metropolitan cities and Tier 1 towns—will be required to introduce at least one foreign language as a compulsory subject from Class 6 onward.

The board has recommended a set of priority languages:

Schools can select the language(s) based on student interest, teacher availability, and existing international partnerships.

How It Will Be Taught: Structured Curriculum Approach

CBSE has developed a standardized foreign language curriculum in collaboration with embassies, cultural organizations (like Goethe-Institut and Alliance Française), and language experts. The curriculum includes:

• Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills (LSRW)
• Cultural orientation and international etiquette
• Project-based learning using films, music, and guest lectures
• Annual language proficiency testing and certification

Students will have 2–3 instructional hours per week, and the subject will carry weightage in final assessments. Class 10 students will be offered the option to replace a third language or elective with a foreign language under this scheme.

Benefits of Early Foreign Language Training

Introducing a foreign language at the school level has long-term cognitive and professional benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Enhances memory, attention, and multitasking skills
• Increases cultural awareness and tolerance
• Boosts communication confidence and career mobility
• Opens doors to global scholarships and exchange programs

According to academic studies, students learning additional languages perform better in logical reasoning and problem-solving than their monolingual peers.

Challenges and Preparedness of Schools

While the idea has been widely praised, several schools face initial hurdles:

• Shortage of trained and certified language teachers
• Budget limitations for smaller private or rural schools
• Parent concerns over student workload

To assist implementation, CBSE has announced the following support measures:

• Online teacher training modules and certification programs
• Tie-ups with embassies and language institutes for teacher exchange
• A pilot phase in 1,000 schools before full-scale rollout
• Optional digital learning tools for low-resource schools

Additionally, private publishers and EdTech companies are being encouraged to develop multilingual digital content to support teaching and self-study.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Many parents, educators, and students have welcomed the policy as a timely change.

“Our school already offered French as an elective, but now with formal support and recognition, we can improve both quality and reach,” said the principal of a CBSE school in Delhi.

A Class 7 student from Bengaluru remarked, “I’ve always wanted to learn Japanese because I love anime and gaming. Now it’s part of our syllabus!”

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