The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has notified the implementation of the three-language formula for all students of Class 9. Under this, the students will learn a total of three languages, out of which two must be native to India. The three-language formula will be rolled out in the 2026-27 academic session and classes will start from July 1. Why three-language formula? According to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 an “early implementation of the three-language formula to promote multilingualism” from the school level. It states that three-language formula will continue to be implemented “while keeping in mind the constitutional provisions, aspirations of the people, regions, and the Union, and the need to promote multilingualism as well as promote national unity”. This applies to both government and private schools. Who chooses the third language? According to the NEP, there will be greater flexibility in the three-language formula, and no language will be imposed on any state. The policy states that the three languages learned by children will be the choices of states, regions, and …