Schools across Madhya Pradesh will observe Shri Krishna Janmashtami with a three-day programme from September 1 to 3, 2026, following directions issued by the state’s Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI). The celebrations will focus on the life and teachings of Lord Krishna, Krishna Leela, the Bhagavad Gita and Indian cultural traditions. 

The instructions have been issued to district education officers across the state. Schools have been asked to organise the programmes in an enthusiastic and dignified manner, with the stated objective of helping students understand Indian culture, traditions, moral values and social harmony. 

Three-day programme from September 1

The school-level celebrations will be held from September 1 to September 3, ahead of the Janmashtami festival. During these three days, students will take part in activities connected with Lord Krishna’s life, teachings and various episodes associated with his traditions. 

The programme is being organised as part of directions received from the Madhya Pradesh government’s Culture Department, with the DPI subsequently communicating the instructions to district education authorities. Krishna Leela and cultural performances

One of the key activities planned in schools is the staging of Krishna Leela, allowing students to present different episodes associated with Lord Krishna.

Schools will also organise plays and dance performances based on Krishna’s teachings, the Bhagavad Gita and related episodes. These activities are intended to combine cultural participation with discussions around the values and teachings associated with Krishna. 

Lectures on Krishna's teachings

Apart from stage performances, schools have been directed to conduct lectures and discussions related to Lord Krishna’s life, philosophy and teachings. The instructions also mention programmes aimed at addressing misconceptions and myths associated with Krishna.

The broader objective is to introduce students to Indian cultural traditions and values through activities beyond routine classroom teaching. 

Special programmes at Sandipani schools

Special activities have also been planned for Sandipani schools in Madhya Pradesh. Along with the general Janmashtami programmes, these schools will conduct discussions and theatrical presentations based on Guru Sandipani and the guru-shishya tradition. 

The reference to Sandipani is significant in the context of Ujjain, which is traditionally associated with the Sandipani Ashram and the period of Krishna’s education.

District officials asked to monitor programmes

District education officers have been instructed to communicate the directions to schools under their jurisdiction and ensure that the programmes are conducted as prescribed.

Schools have also been asked to document the events through photographs and submit a compliance report to the concerned education authorities. 

Janmashtami celebrations across Madhya Pradesh

The school programmes are part of wider Janmashtami-related cultural activities being organised across Madhya Pradesh. The state government has also issued directions for cultural programmes at places associated with Krishna’s life and traditions. An official Dhar district administration release, for instance, mentions cultural programmes, lectures on Krishna’s teachings and activities in schools and colleges. 

With the three-day school programme beginning September 1, students across Madhya Pradesh are expected to participate in performances, discussions and cultural activities centred on Lord Krishna and the values associated with his teachings.

Around 1.22 lakh meritorious students in Madhya Pradesh are set to receive financial assistance of ₹25,000 each for purchasing laptops on September 1. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav will launch the state-level programme at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in Bhopal, where the assistance will be transferred directly into eligible students' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). 

The initiative is being implemented under the Madhya Pradesh government's Pratibhashali Vidyarthi Protsahan Yojana, popularly referred to as the state's laptop scheme. Under the programme, eligible students receive financial assistance rather than being required to take a specific laptop supplied by the government. The September 1 event will mark the transfer of the incentive amount to the selected beneficiaries.

₹25,000 to be transferred through DBT

Under the scheme, each eligible student will receive ₹25,000 in their bank account to purchase a laptop of their choice. The direct transfer mechanism is intended to ensure that the assistance reaches beneficiaries without an intermediary. 

For the current distribution, reports based on government information indicate that more than ₹304 crore will be transferred to approximately 1.22 lakh students across Madhya Pradesh. 

Students securing 75% or more eligible

The scheme is aimed at students who perform well in the Class 12 Madhya Pradesh Board examination. Current reports state that students securing 75% or more marks in their first attempt are eligible under the scheme. 

The programme has been designed to support meritorious students in accessing digital learning tools and technology needed for higher education. Laptop access can help students use online study material, digital courses, educational platforms and other academic resources.

Scheme has been running for years

The Pratibhashali Vidyarthi Protsahan Yojana has been operational since 2009-10. The programme was introduced to encourage students who perform well in their Class 12 examinations and provide them with financial support for purchasing laptops. 

In the 2025 distribution cycle, ₹25,000 each was provided to 94,234 eligible students. The state has previously transferred the assistance directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts under the DBT mechanism. 

Focus on digital education

The laptop assistance is intended to strengthen students' access to technology at a stage when many are moving into college and professional education. With online lectures, digital study material, e-learning platforms and other technology-based resources becoming increasingly common, the scheme is positioned as an educational support measure for high-performing students.

The government has also described the initiative as part of its efforts to encourage digital learning and support students in pursuing higher education.

State-level programme in Bhopal

The September 1 programme will be held at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in Bhopal, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav scheduled to inaugurate the state-level event. The financial assistance will subsequently be credited to the accounts of eligible beneficiaries. 

With around 1.22 lakh students included in this year's distribution, the programme is among the larger annual financial-assistance initiatives targeted at meritorious school students in the state.

For students awaiting the benefit, the key date is September 1, when the government is scheduled to make the ₹25,000 laptop assistance transfer.

Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) are being developed as an integrated education model offering schooling from Lower Kindergarten (LKG) to Class 12, or II PUC, under one roof in both Kannada and English mediums, Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said.

Bangarappa made the remarks while laying the foundation stone for a new KPS building being constructed at a cost of ₹13.5 crore through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Ajax Engineering Charitable Trust. The event was jointly organised by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of School Education and Literacy, Shivamogga Ajax Engineering Limited and Ajax Engineering Charitable Trust. 

The minister described Karnataka Public Schools as an ambitious initiative aimed at providing quality education from the early years through higher secondary education within a single institution. The model is intended to provide students with continuity in their schooling while strengthening government education infrastructure.

Bangarappa also highlighted the state's 'Namma Shaale Namma Javabdhari' (Our School, Our Responsibility) initiative, under which community participation is being encouraged in the development of government schools. He said several programmes were being undertaken by the Education Department to improve educational facilities and create better opportunities for children. 

According to the minister, 11 Karnataka Public Schools are already functioning in Shivamogga district, while another 24 have been sanctioned with assistance from the Asian Development Bank. The state is also working on a larger CSR-backed project to develop 1,000 Karnataka Public Schools across Karnataka.

In Shivamogga district alone, work is in progress to establish 35 KPS schools, according to the minister. The expansion is part of the government's broader effort to strengthen public education infrastructure and increase access to quality schooling.

The new KPS building being constructed with support from Ajax Engineering Charitable Trust will include 35 well-equipped classrooms, toilets and an Akshara Dasoha Bhavan. The project is targeted for completion within two years, after which the building will be handed over to the Education Department. 

Bangarappa also stressed the importance of community involvement in strengthening government schools. While speaking about the responsibility of the Education Department, he called for greater public attention towards the development of schools, noting that education plays a central role in shaping the future of children.

The KPS model, with education planned from LKG through II PUC in Kannada and English, is aimed at creating a more integrated government-school system in Karnataka. With new schools being sanctioned through government and development assistance as well as CSR funding, the state is seeking to expand the reach of the model across districts.

Madhya Pradesh will have two government teachers among the recipients of the National Teacher Award 2026, with Dr Archana Shukla from Bhopal and Shailendra Pratap Singh from Sidhi selected for the national honour. The two teachers will be felicitated in New Delhi on September 5 on the occasion of Teachers' Day. Their selection recognises their contribution to school education and gives representation to government-school teachers from two different parts of the state at the national level.

Dr Archana Shukla has been selected from Bhopal. She teaches at Sandipani Vidyalaya Mahatma Gandhi and is associated with higher secondary-level education. Her selection for the national award marks recognition for a teacher serving in the state capital's government-school education system. From Sidhi district, Shailendra Pratap Singh, a secondary teacher at Government Middle School Kanjwar, has also been selected. The inclusion of both teachers places Madhya Pradesh among the states represented in the National Teacher Award 2026 and is expected to bring attention to their respective schools and districts.

Teachers to Be Honoured in Delhi

The National Teacher Award is presented to teachers for notable contributions to education and school-level teaching. The award ceremony for the 2026 selections will be held in New Delhi on September 5, Teachers' Day. The recognition is significant for government-school educators because the selection highlights work carried out within the public education system and provides a national platform to teachers working directly with students.

Madhya Pradesh is not the only state from the region to have representation among the selected teachers. According to the information provided, Chhattisgarh has also been represented in the National Teacher Award 2026 list, with Sunita Yadav, a teacher at Government School MS Khichari, selected for the honour. The selection of teachers from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh adds a regional dimension to this year's national recognition of educators.

For Madhya Pradesh, the selection of Archana Shukla and Shailendra Pratap Singh comes ahead of Teachers' Day celebrations across the state. Their names are expected to be highlighted by their respective schools and districts as the teachers prepare to receive the national honour in Delhi. Further details about their specific achievements and the selection criteria were not included in the supplied information.

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has announced a major boost for the education sector in its 2026-27 State Budget, allocating ₹52,920 crore to strengthen school and higher education across the state. Presented by Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson, the Budget marks the first financial roadmap of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government and places education at the centre of its long-term development strategy.

The government has earmarked ₹44,527 crore for the School Education Department and ₹8,393 crore for the Higher Education Department, reinforcing its commitment to improving educational infrastructure, digital learning and student welfare.

Education at the Core of Development Vision

Presenting the Budget in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, the Finance Minister said the government's long-term objective is to transform Tamil Nadu into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036. According to the government, investment in education, skill development and human capital will play a vital role in achieving this goal.

The Budget outlines several initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes, expanding educational access and modernising institutions across the state.

₹139 Crore for 'Super Clean, Super Campus' Scheme

One of the flagship announcements is the 'Super Clean, Super Campus' initiative, for which ₹139 crore has been allocated.

The programme will cover 10,000 government schools, focusing on daily campus cleaning, maintenance of drinking water facilities, hygienic toilets and enhanced security. The initiative is designed to provide students with a cleaner, safer and healthier learning environment.

New Model Schools for Rural Students

The government has allocated ₹125 crore to establish Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Model Schools and modernise existing government schools.

These residential institutions will provide free education, accommodation and healthcare for students from Classes IX to XII, with a special focus on rural and economically disadvantaged communities.

₹2,000 Crore for Digital Learning and Bicycles

To strengthen digital education, the government has earmarked ₹2,000 crore for two major student welfare programmes.

Under the Vetri Laptop Scheme, college students will receive laptops to improve digital access and support higher education. The allocation will also fund the distribution of bicycles to school students, helping improve access to education, particularly in rural areas.

Modernisation of Government Schools

The Budget also provides ₹300 crore for upgrading infrastructure in 3,734 government schools.

The funds will be used to improve classrooms, educational facilities and other essential infrastructure to create better learning environments across the state.

Expansion of Technical and Legal Education

To expand professional education opportunities, the government has proposed establishing a Special Law College in Madurai along with five new Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Tamil Nadu.

A total allocation of ₹90 crore has been made for these projects, which aim to enhance legal education and strengthen vocational skill development.

Women's Welfare Schemes Also Receive Major Allocation

Apart from education, the Budget sets aside more than ₹1,300 crore for two flagship women's welfare schemes announced during the election campaign.

The government has allocated ₹812 crore for the Annan's Seer Scheme, under which eligible brides will receive an 8-gram gold coin and a silk saree during their wedding.

An additional ₹560 crore has been earmarked for a scheme that will provide gold rings to babies born in government hospitals, another key election promise of the TVK government.

Agriculture Budget to Follow

The government has also announced that the Agriculture Budget for 2026-27 will be presented separately in the Legislative Assembly by Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister R. Vinoth, outlining sector-specific initiatives for farmers and rural development.

New Delhi: The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has directed all government and government-aided schools to inform eligible Class 12 Science students about a free one-year residential coaching programme for JEE and NEET aspirants. The initiative, offered in partnership with the Dakshana Foundation, aims to support students from economically weaker backgrounds by providing coaching, accommodation and meals at no cost.

According to the circular issued by the Directorate, schools have been instructed to actively spread awareness about the scholarship among students studying in Class 12 Science during the 2026–27 academic session. Along with the circular, schools have also received the Dakshana Foundation's communication to principals and the notification for the Joint Dakshana Selection Test (JDST) 2027, through which eligible candidates will be selected

Students selected under the programme will receive one year of fully residential coaching at the Dakshana Valley campus in Kadus village, Pune, Maharashtra. Besides classroom coaching for JEE and NEET, the scholarship also covers hostel accommodation and meals, ensuring that selected students do not have to bear any financial burden during the programme. 

Admission to the scholarship programme will not be based on direct application alone. Students will first have to appear for the JDST 2027, which is scheduled to be conducted in December 2026. Candidates who qualify will then go through multiple stages, including application screening, mock tests, document verification and interviews before the final list of scholars is prepared

The scholarship is open to Class 12 Science students studying in government, government-aided and eligible public schools. To qualify, applicants must generally have an annual family income below ₹3 lakh. However, this income limit will not apply to candidates belonging to the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category. Students must also meet the prescribed Class 10 marks criteria in Mathematics and Science, with separate cut-offs applicable for different reservation categories, including General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST and PwD candidates. Eligibility requirements also vary slightly depending on whether a student is preparing for engineering (JEE) or medical (NEET) entrance examinations.

The Directorate has highlighted that many deserving students miss out on such opportunities simply because they are unaware of them. By directing schools to actively publicise the programme, the government hopes that eligible students will receive timely information and be able to apply before the selection process begins. For many aspirants, the cost of coaching remains one of the biggest barriers to preparing for competitive entrance examinations, making scholarship-based initiatives particularly significant.

The Dakshana Foundation has stated that it has been providing free coaching to students from government schools for more than 19 years. According to the organisation, many of its scholars have secured admission to prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and government medical colleges. These achievements have been cited by the foundation in its communication to schools to encourage wider participation in the programme. 

As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates will first complete the Dakshana Scholar Application, appear for mock examinations and then take the online JDST at designated centres using the Dakshana Scholarship Test mobile application. Those clearing the examination will subsequently be invited for interviews and document verification before the final merit list is announced. The notification also includes details of the examination pattern and syllabus covering Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and Logical Reasoning, enabling students to prepare in advance.

Chennai: The Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE), Tamil Nadu, is set to announce the TN SSLC Supplementary Result 2026 today, August 5, for students who appeared in the Class 10 supplementary examinations. Candidates will be able to access their provisional marksheets from 5:00 PM onwards through the official DGE Tamil Nadu website by logging in with their examination credentials.

The SSLC (Class 10) supplementary examinations were conducted from July 8 to July 15, 2026, providing students who could not clear one or more subjects in the regular examination another opportunity to improve their results. According to the examination authority, a total of 66,488 candidates appeared for the supplementary examination across Tamil Nadu.

Students can check their results online by entering their Roll Number and Date of Birth on the official result portal. The marksheet available online will be provisional in nature and can be used for immediate reference until the original documents are issued by the respective schools or examination authorities.

How to Check TN SSLC Supplementary Result 2026

Candidates can follow these steps to download their results:

1. Visit the official DGE Tamil Nadu website.

2. Click on the TN SSLC Supplementary Result 2026 link on the homepage.

3. Enter your Roll Number and Date of Birth.

4. Click on the Submit button.

5. Your result will appear on the screen.

6. Download and save the provisional marksheet.

7. Take a printout for future reference.

Students who wish to obtain a photocopy (scan copy) of their answer sheets can apply through the procedure prescribed by the Directorate. Candidates need to download the "JULY-2026 SCAN COPY APPLICATION" form from the official website, fill it carefully, and submit it in person at the office of the Assistant Director of Government Examinations in their respective districts.

For candidates belonging to Tenkasi, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Kallakurichi, Chengalpattu, and Mayiladuthurai, applications must be submitted at the office of the District Principal Educational Officer. The application window for obtaining scanned copies will remain open on August 10 and August 11, between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

The Directorate has fixed the fee at ₹275 per subject for obtaining a scanned copy of the answer script. The amount must be paid in cash at the designated office while submitting the application.

Officials have clarified that only students who obtain photocopies of their answer sheets will be eligible to apply later for recounting or revaluation of their marks. The schedule for downloading scanned answer sheets and submitting applications for recounting or revaluation will be announced separately through the official website and media notifications.

Students are advised to carefully verify all the details mentioned on their provisional marksheet, including their personal information, subject-wise marks and qualifying status. In case of any discrepancy, they should immediately contact the examination authorities or their respective schools for further guidance.

With the declaration of the supplementary results, successful candidates will be able to continue the admission process for higher secondary education without further delay. Those who have qualified can use the provisional marksheet until the original certificate is issued by the Directorate.

 The Chhattisgarh government's decision to implement a digital attendance system through the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) app for school teachers has triggered strong opposition from teacher organisations across the state. The new system, which links attendance records with salary payments, has drawn criticism over alleged technical glitches, inaccurate location tracking and poor network connectivity, particularly in remote areas.

Teacher associations have warned of a statewide protest on August 7 if the government proceeds with salary deductions based solely on the app's attendance records.

Attendance Now Linked to Salary

Under the new arrangement introduced by the School Education Department, teachers are required to punch in upon reaching school and punch out at the end of the working day using the VSK mobile application.

The department has clarified that salary payments will be processed based on the digital attendance recorded through the app. Failure to register attendance or complete check-in and check-out on time could affect salary disbursement.

Teachers Raise Technical Concerns

The digital attendance system has come under scrutiny after teachers alleged that the application frequently records incorrect GPS locations and inaccurate timings.

According to teacher organisations, many schools, especially those located in rural and forested regions, continue to face weak internet connectivity, making it difficult to mark attendance consistently.

A video circulating on social media reportedly shows teachers in Koylibeda block of Kanker district crossing a flooded river by boat to reach school, highlighting the practical challenges faced in remote areas.

Organisations Question Reliability of App

The Chhattisgarh Teachers Association and the Chhattisgarh School Teachers' Union have jointly questioned the reliability of the VSK application.

State President Sanjay Sharma of the Chhattisgarh Teachers Association and State President Virendra Dubey of the Chhattisgarh School Teachers' Union said teachers are regularly attending schools and conducting classes, but technical issues prevent their attendance from being properly recorded.

They argued that teachers should not be penalised for faults in the digital system.

GPS and Network Issues Reported

Teacher groups have highlighted several technical problems with the application, including:

• Incorrect GPS location tracking.

• Poor mobile network connectivity in rural schools.

• Server-related issues.

• Login failures.

• App crashes and hanging.

• Incorrect check-in and check-out timings.

• Operational difficulties in schools functioning in two shifts.

Teachers also shared screenshots alleging that the application displayed check-in status even during scheduled check-out hours.

Attendance Figures Questioned

The School Education Department has claimed that around 83 percent of teachers are successfully recording attendance through the VSK app.

However, teacher organisations questioned the claim, arguing that recording attendance occasionally is different from maintaining complete attendance records throughout the month without interruptions.

They have asked the department whether it can certify that attendance for the entire working day—from morning reporting to evening departure—was successfully captured for 83 percent of teachers during July.

Demand for Manual Attendance Recognition

Teacher unions have demanded that the traditional attendance registers maintained by school principals and headmasters continue to be recognised until the VSK application functions reliably.

According to the organisations, if a teacher is physically present in school and has signed the attendance register, salary should not be withheld merely because the mobile application failed to record attendance due to technical reasons.

Call for Biometric System

The organisations have also suggested that if the government intends to implement a fully digital attendance mechanism, it should install biometric attendance machines in all schools instead of relying exclusively on a smartphone application.

They argue that biometric systems would be more reliable, particularly in areas with unstable internet connectivity.

Protest Planned on August 7

The Chhattisgarh Teachers Association has warned that it will stage demonstrations outside Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) offices across the state on August 7 if salaries are affected due to app-related issues.

Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh School Teachers' Union has stated that any punitive action against teachers could lead to larger protests, including demonstrations outside the Chief Minister's residence.

With teacher organisations demanding technical improvements and recognition of manual attendance records, the issue now rests with the School Education Department, which will have to balance administrative reforms with concerns raised by educators across the state.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will participate in a series of programmes in Ujjain on the occasion of Guru Purnima on Wednesday, including the inauguration of the newly constructed Gita Bhavan, built at a cost of ₹34 crore, and the state-level Guru Purnima Mahotsav and Maharshi Sandipani Alankaran Ceremony.

During the event, the Chief Minister will also symbolically distribute appointment letters to newly selected primary teachers and launch the state's Mission Buniyad, aimed at strengthening foundational learning in schools.

₹34-Crore Gita Bhavan to Be Inaugurated

The Chief Minister is scheduled to arrive in Ujjain at around 11 am, where he will inaugurate the newly built Gita Bhavan located on Dewas Road.

The modern facility has been developed at a cost of ₹34 crore and is expected to host major educational, cultural and spiritual events in the city.

Visits to Sant Ravidas and Sandipani Temples

During his visit, Dr. Mohan Yadav will participate in a virtual conference before offering prayers at the Sant Ravidas Temple and the Maharshi Sandipani Temple, both of which hold significant religious and historical importance.

Guru Purnima State-Level Function at Gita Bhavan

The School Education Department will organise the Guru Purnima Mahotsav, including the Maharshi Sandipani Shraddha Parv and Samman Ceremony, at Gita Bhavan from 2 pm under the Chief Minister's chief guestship.

Nearly 1,000 newly selected eligible primary teachers from 17 districts are expected to participate in the programme.

Mission Buniyad to Be Launched

The Chief Minister will formally launch Mission Buniyad, a state initiative focused on improving foundational literacy and numeracy among school students.

As part of the programme, appointment letters will be symbolically handed over to 10 newly recruited primary teachers, representing the 7,500 teachers recently selected by the School Education Department.

Teachers, Principals and Students to Be Honoured

The state government will also felicitate six school principals whose institutions have achieved 100% pass results in the Madhya Pradesh Board examinations for three consecutive years.

Additionally, two principals from Ujjain district will be honoured for their achievements in different categories.

A student who secured the top position in the Ujjain district merit list of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Examination will also receive recognition during the ceremony.

Retired Professors, Development Projects Also on Agenda

The programme will include the felicitation of five retired assistant professors from the Higher Education Department.

The Chief Minister will also perform the foundation stone laying and inauguration of several development projects during his visit.

The Guru Purnima celebrations in Ujjain are expected to witness participation from educationists, teachers, students, public representatives and spiritual leaders, highlighting the state's emphasis on education, cultural heritage and teacher recognition.

India's education system has rarely witnessed a policy as ambitious—and as polarising—as the implementation of the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) latest guidelines seek to strengthen the place of Bharatiya Bhashas in school education, positioning multilingualism as both a cultural asset and a national priority.

The intent is difficult to oppose. Encouraging students to engage with Indian languages can promote cultural literacy, preserve linguistic diversity and deepen national integration. In a country with hundreds of languages and dialects, creating space for regional languages in classrooms reflects an effort to balance globalization with cultural identity.

Yet, education policies succeed not on aspiration alone, but on execution. That is where the three-language formula encounters its greatest challenge.

Implementation Gap

Across India, thousands of CBSE-affiliated schools—particularly in metropolitan cities and smaller private institutions—already struggle with shortages of qualified teachers in core subjects. Expecting these schools to suddenly recruit trained educators for languages such as Tamil, Kannada, Assamese, Odia or Punjabi, often in regions where these languages have little local presence, raises significant logistical questions.

The challenge extends beyond staffing. Quality textbooks, digital learning materials, teacher training programmes and standardized assessment systems must all be developed simultaneously. Without these foundations, implementation risks becoming uneven, placing students' academic outcomes at the mercy of institutional capacity rather than educational merit.

Changing Aspirations of Students

Today's learners are growing up in a deeply interconnected world where higher education, global careers and international mobility increasingly shape academic choices. Many students have spent years learning foreign languages such as French, German, Spanish or Japanese, viewing them as valuable skills for university admissions, overseas education and employment opportunities.

For these students, replacing an established language pathway with a compulsory regional language may appear less like educational enrichment and more like a disruption of carefully planned academic goals.

However, this should not be viewed as a contest between Indian and foreign languages. Both can coexist. Several multilingual nations have successfully balanced national identity with international competitiveness through flexible language policies backed by strong institutional support.

The Real Challenge

The Supreme Court recently observed that "learning any language is never a waste." From an educational perspective, the statement carries merit. Research consistently shows that multilingual learning enhances cognitive development, communication skills and cultural awareness.

The larger issue, however, is whether schools possess the infrastructure necessary to translate that vision into meaningful classroom learning.

Without trained teachers, sufficient learning resources and proper academic planning, compulsory language education risks becoming an administrative exercise rather than a meaningful educational experience.

A More Practical Path

A phased implementation strategy would allow schools adequate time to recruit teachers, develop learning material and strengthen academic infrastructure before language assessments become mandatory.

Technology can also bridge existing gaps. Online language classrooms, digital content, hybrid teaching models and AI-assisted learning platforms can significantly improve access to quality language education, especially in schools facing teacher shortages.

Balancing Identity and Opportunity

The debate over the three-language formula is ultimately not about whether Indian languages deserve greater prominence—they unquestionably do. The real question is whether India's education system is prepared to deliver that vision without compromising educational quality or limiting students' global opportunities.

Language education should empower students, expand their horizons and preserve India's extraordinary linguistic heritage. Achieving these goals will require policy flexibility, institutional preparedness and sustained investment. A successful education reform is measured not by the ambition of its vision, but by its effectiveness in the classroom.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that students who fail the school-based Third Language (R3) assessment in Class 9 will still be promoted to Class 10. However, they must clear the internal Third Language assessment in Class 10 to become eligible for the Secondary School Examination Pass Certificate under the new three-language policy.

The clarification was issued through a circular dated July 10 as part of the phased implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The revised framework will apply to students currently studying in Class 9 during the 2026–27 academic session, who will appear for their Class 10 examinations in 2027–28.

Internal Assessment Mandatory

According to the CBSE, the Third Language (R3) will not be included in the Class 10 board examination. Instead, it will be evaluated through an internal, school-based assessment.

Students who fail the R3 assessment in Class 9 will not be held back and can move to Class 10. However, they must successfully pass the internal assessment during Class 10 to receive the CBSE Secondary School Examination Pass Certificate.

To provide additional support, the board has also introduced a one-time re-assessment opportunity for students who do not clear the internal assessment before the declaration of Class 10 results.

Three-Language Formula Continues

CBSE said the existing three-language structure will remain applicable for students enrolled in Class 9 in the 2026–27 academic session. Students will study three languages, with at least two of them being Bharatiya Bhashas, subject to prescribed exemptions and relaxations.

The board also clarified that students will continue with the same combination of three languages they studied in Class 8, ensuring continuity in language learning without requiring a fresh selection at the secondary level.

Examples of Bharatiya Bhashas include Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Odia and Assamese, while English, French, German, Arabic and Spanish remain available as non-Indian language options.

No Change for Current Class 10 Batch

CBSE has clarified that students currently studying in Class 10 during the 2026–27 academic session will not be affected by the revised policy. They will continue under the existing two-language system and will not be required to study or appear for a third language.

The revised assessment framework will come into effect only when the present Class 9 batch reaches Class 10 in the 2027–28 academic session.

Learning Resources Released

To facilitate implementation, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has uploaded learning resources for the Third Language (R3) on its official platform. These materials are intended to help schools, teachers and students prepare for the new school-based assessment system.

CBSE reiterated that the Third Language assessment will remain entirely school-based and will not form part of the external board examination, while making it mandatory for students to qualify in order to receive the final Class 10 pass certificate.

 The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that students who fail the Third Language (R3) in Class 9 will still be promoted to Class 10, but they must clear the school-based assessment in Class 10 to receive the Secondary School Examination Pass Certificate.

The clarification comes through a CBSE circular issued on July 10, outlining the implementation of the revised three-language policy for students entering Class 9 in the 2026–27 academic session.

Under the new framework, the third language will not form part of the Class 10 board examination when this batch appears for the board exams in 2027–28. However, passing the internal assessment will remain mandatory for certification.

One Re-Assessment Opportunity

CBSE stated that students who do not clear the school-based Third Language (R3) assessment in Class 10 will be provided one additional re-assessment opportunity before the declaration of board examination results.

Students promoted from Class 9 despite failing the third language will also have to successfully complete the internal assessment in Class 10 to become eligible for the final pass certificate.

Three-Language Formula Continues

The board has confirmed that students enrolling in Class 9 during the 2026–27 academic year will continue to study three languages, with at least two being Bharatiya Bhashas, subject to the exemptions and relaxations already notified.

CBSE has also clarified that the same three-language combination studied in Class 8 will continue in Class 9, ensuring continuity in language learning.

Among the recognised Bharatiya Bhashas are Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Odia and Assamese. Non-Indian language options include English, French, German, Arabic and Spanish.

Internal Assessment Only

The board reiterated that the Third Language (R3) will be assessed only through school-based internal evaluation and will not be included in the Class 10 CBSE board examination for the current Class 9 batch appearing in 2027–28.

To facilitate implementation, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has uploaded learning resources for R3 languages on its official platform for schools and students.

No Change For Current Class 10 Batch

CBSE clarified that students currently studying in Class 10 during the 2026–27 academic session will continue under the existing two-language system.

This batch will neither be required to study nor appear for a third language, as the revised policy will apply only to students entering Class 9 from the 2026–27 session onward.

Implementation Framework

The board said the assessment structure notified for Class 9 (2026–27) and Class 10 (2027–28) will govern the implementation of the revised language policy for the affected batches.

The clarification aims to ensure uniform implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)-aligned language framework while providing flexibility through school-based evaluation rather than introducing an additional board examination.