Is the third language mandatory until class 8?

It really depends on your school's board affiliation, but generally, CBSE schools mandate the third language until class 8. My daughter just finished 8th grade and we had to submit the formal request to drop it for 9th. If you take that language as your second language in 9th and 10th, you don't need to study it as a third subject anymore, but please check your school's specific internal policy first as they can be quite strict.

In our school, they made us stick to the same third language for all three years from 6th to 8th. Honestly, it’s better to be consistent because switching midway makes the base very weak for the children. I suggest you talk to the class teacher before making any decisions.

Does anyone know if we can switch the second language in class 9? My son wants to take up a different subject but I am worried about the syllabus gap.

In our school, they made it compulsory till 8th standard regardless of what you plan to take later. My son was struggling with Sanskrit, but the school didn't allow him to drop it before the final exams of class 8. You should definitely check with the class teacher before the new session begins.

My elder one opted for French as the second language in class 9, so he was exempted from the third language requirement from class 8 onwards. Just make sure you inform the school administration in writing before the academic year ends, otherwise they might keep marking it as mandatory.

Just a heads up, even if it's not 'mandatory' by board rules, some private schools make it a policy to continue it. Definitely clarify with the admin office!

My daughter just finished class 8 and dropped her third language. The school rules are quite strict until class 8, but for classes 9 and 10, you only have to study the two languages as per the board requirement. Check the school handbook once, sometimes they have internal policies.

Hi, it actually depends on the school board! If your child is in CBSE, the third language is generally mandatory until class 8. Once you enter class 9, you only need two languages, but most schools encourage continuing the second language for board exams.