KVS Mandates Sanskrit Section for Classes 6 and 9 Under NEP 2020
The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has announced a significant academic reform for the upcoming session of 2026-27. Under the new directive, every Kendriya Vidyalaya across the country must operate at least one Sanskrit section in classes 6 and 9. This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to strengthen the implementation of the three-language formula in central schools.
Key Highlights of the New Language Policy
KVS has issued clear instructions to all affiliated schools regarding the documentation of students’ language preferences. Schools are now required to record the complete details of the third language chosen by students on the ‘Samagam Portal’. This digital record-keeping ensures transparency and uniformity across all Kendriya Vidyalayas.
Under this new framework, students can select either Sanskrit or any regional language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution as their third language. This choice stands separate from Hindi, which remains the first language, and English, which continues as the second language in the curriculum.
Student Freedom and Section Allocation
The policy grants students complete autonomy in selecting their third language, allowing them to make decisions based on personal interest and convenience. However, considering the academic needs of children from transferable government employees, KVS has made it mandatory for every school to maintain at least one Sanskrit section. This ensures that students who relocate frequently can continue their Sanskrit studies without disruption.
The circular further clarifies that students opting for the same language will be grouped together in a single section. This approach aims to make classroom management more organized and teaching more effective. Schools must determine the number of sections for Sanskrit and regional languages based on the total student strength.
Flexible Arrangements for Different School Sizes
Institutions operating with only one section have the flexibility to create separate batches for Sanskrit and other regional languages. For schools with multiple sections, the allocation will be determined proportionally according to the number of students choosing each language. This adaptable structure ensures that all students receive quality language instruction regardless of their school’s size.
CBSE’s Broader Three-Language Framework
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recently reinforced the three-language policy starting from class 9. According to the updated guidelines, students must study at least two Indian languages as part of their curriculum. The board has also clarified that no separate board examination will be conducted for the third language at the class 10 level, easing the assessment burden on students while maintaining the spirit of multilingual education.
This coordinated effort between KVS and CBSE represents a concrete step toward realizing the objectives of NEP 2020. By promoting Sanskrit alongside regional languages, the policy seeks to preserve India’s linguistic diversity while equipping students with valuable language skills. The emphasis on Sanskrit, in particular, reflects a broader educational vision that connects students with classical Indian knowledge systems and cultural heritage.
Schools across the country are now preparing to implement these changes, ensuring that infrastructure and teaching resources are in place before the new academic session begins. Parents and students are encouraged to consider their language options carefully, keeping in mind both academic requirements and personal interests.
