UAE Schools Prepare for CBSE Third Language Deadline for Grade 6

CBSE Sets May 31 Deadline for Language Implementation

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has instructed affiliated schools, including institutions across the UAE, to complete implementation plans for the mandatory third language requirement for Grade 6 students ahead of the 2026 to 2027 academic session.

The move forms part of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 and requires schools to upload their R3 language selections on the OASIS portal by 31 May 2026.

According to the Board, many schools have already submitted their language options, while others are still finalising the process or aligning submissions with policy requirements.

UAE Schools Adapting to Multilingual Requirements

The Royal Academy Ajman confirmed it is aligning its curriculum structure with the updated CBSE requirements.

Dr Prema Muralidhar said:

“Our school is fully aligned with the directives issued by CBSE and is in the process of completing all necessary documentation and curriculum mapping requirements for uploading into the OASIS portal within the stipulated timeline. As per the guidelines applicable to schools situated in foreign countries, CBSE has thoughtfully permitted institutions abroad to offer one compulsory Indian language in lieu of the two Indian languages generally applicable to schools in India.”

Explaining the school’s language structure, she said:

“Our school will continue with, R1 – English, R2 – Any Indian Regional Language from the CBSE-approved language list such as Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Urdu, or Bangla, R3 – Arabic.”

Schools Highlight Practical Implementation Challenges

The Indian Academy Dubai said it is conducting consultations to ensure a smooth and compliant rollout of the new language structure.

Prarthana Kale said:

“We are preparing to implement CBSE’s mandatory third-language requirement for Class 6 in a structured, compliant, and student-centred manner.”

She confirmed the school is working within the required timeline.

“The school is on track to meet CBSE’s May 31 deadline. Internal consultations are underway with the Board of Directors, Governors, school leadership, curriculum heads, language departments, teachers, and parents to ensure that the implementation is practical, academically sound, and aligned with regulatory expectations.”

Discussing current language options, she added:

“Currently, students study English as the first language, with Hindi, French, and Malayalam offered as second-language options.”

She also pointed to operational concerns linked to implementation.

“The main operational challenges include securing qualified language teachers, adjusting timetables, ensuring curriculum progression, managing student workload, and maintaining balanced school hours.”

Sharjah Schools Reassure Parents Over Curriculum Changes

At Sharjah Indian School, school leadership described the policy as part of CBSE’s wider move towards a more global curriculum model.

Pramod Mahajan said:

“Students can currently choose from languages such as Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Urdu, with the emphasis being on learning a native language.”

He noted that schools are still evaluating how Arabic fits within the framework.

“One question that often comes up is whether Arabic would be considered a native language under this framework for schools in the UAE.”

He also highlighted CBSE’s broader curriculum direction.

“CBSE is gradually introducing its Global Curriculum, which will cater to students from diverse nationalities. While the changes may seem complicated at first, they are actually quite straightforward in practice.”

Explaining the school’s existing language options, he said:

“At our school, for instance, students will most likely have the option of Hindi or Malayalam. In Grade 9, we already offer French and Special Arabic as additional language choices.”

He added reassurance for families navigating the changes.