Schools in Odisha appear to be largely insulated from the effects of the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) three-language policy, which is being implemented from Class 9. The minimal number of students opting for foreign languages other than English in the state has come as a saving grace. This comes at a time when the announcement has triggered anxiety and confusion among parents and students in other parts of the country.
Current Language Landscape in Odisha's CBSE Schools
School administrators have noted that most CBSE-affiliated schools in Odisha follow the conventional language combination of English, Hindi or Sanskrit, and Odia. Only a handful of institutions offer foreign languages such as French, Spanish, or German. The concerns surfaced after CBSE reiterated norms linked to the National Education Policy (NEP), under which students are now expected to study three languages. In metropolitan cities, the policy has created uncertainty among students who had chosen foreign languages as their second language.
Minimal Disruption Expected
Educationists in Odisha have pointed out that very few CBSE students in the state pursue foreign languages, largely because schools lack specialized faculty and student demand remains low. “The transition is unlikely to cause major academic disruption in Odisha. Most schools here already have a strong regional language base, so adjustments would be minimal,” said educationist Poly Pattnaik. Under the new framework, students will study three languages — R1, R2, and R3 — which include two mandatory Indian languages. English is already counted as a foreign language.
“In Odisha’s context, if a student has already studied English, Odia, and another Indian language such as Hindi or Sanskrit till Class 8, there will be little change. They will continue with the same combination till Class 10,” said Niranjan Swain, principal of a Cuttack-based school.
Challenges for Foreign Language Students
However, students who have been studying English, German, and either Hindi, Odia, or Sanskrit will now have to replace German with a native Indian language. “For students choosing a new Indian language as R3, CBSE has allowed the use of Class 6-level foundational textbooks initially, as the aim is to build basic familiarity with the language. Therefore, there will be no board examination for the new R3 language in Class 10 for the current batch of Class 9 students. It will only be assessed internally and reflected in the CBSE certificate,” Swain explained.
Academic Adjustments Required
Implementation of the policy will require academic adjustments. Education experts have noted that students will now study six core subjects in Class 9 instead of the existing five, all within the regular six-hour school schedule. Earlier, CBSE mandated five core subjects: two languages and three scholastic disciplines — mathematics, science, and social science. “The immediate challenge is accommodating an additional language period in the timetable and preparing internal assessment modalities for students opting for R3,” said academic Sujata Sahoo.
Anxiety Among Schools Offering Foreign Languages
Despite the transition support provided by CBSE, faculty members and students in schools offering foreign languages remain anxious. A principal of a Bhubaneswar-based school offering an international curriculum, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the May 15 ministry of education circular mandating three languages in Class 9 has put both school administrations and students under stress. “What happens to students who have been studying a foreign language for several years? These students are entering their board years. How will they attain the requisite competency in a new Indian language within just two years, even if the assessment is internal?” the principal asked.
