📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Press Information Bureau India Government of India
Education
Delhi Government Rolls Back Class‑9 R‑3 Rule, Drops Third‑Language Pass Requirement for Class‑10 Board Exams
✍️ Amar Ujala · Delhi
🗓 20 Aug 2026, 03:41 PM
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The Delhi administration has withdrawn the mandatory R‑3 third‑language requirement for class‑9 students, meaning a pass in the third language will no longer be needed to sit for the class‑10 board examinations.
The Delhi Government announced today that it is rescinding the R‑3 rule that previously required students to pass a third language in class 9 to be eligible for the class 10 board exams. The decision comes after feedback from parents, teachers and education experts who argued that the mandate added undue pressure on students and schools.
Under the former policy, students who failed to secure a minimum grade in the third language were barred from appearing for the secondary school board examinations, potentially affecting their academic progression. With the rule withdrawn, the eligibility criteria revert to the earlier framework, where only core subjects are considered.
Education officials said the move aims to provide relief and greater flexibility, especially for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The change will be effective from the upcoming academic session, and schools have been instructed to update their admission and examination guidelines accordingly.
The Delhi Directorate of Education will monitor the impact of the amendment and may consider further reforms based on stakeholder feedback.
Under the former policy, students who failed to secure a minimum grade in the third language were barred from appearing for the secondary school board examinations, potentially affecting their academic progression. With the rule withdrawn, the eligibility criteria revert to the earlier framework, where only core subjects are considered.
Education officials said the move aims to provide relief and greater flexibility, especially for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The change will be effective from the upcoming academic session, and schools have been instructed to update their admission and examination guidelines accordingly.
The Delhi Directorate of Education will monitor the impact of the amendment and may consider further reforms based on stakeholder feedback.