Sanskrit Section Now Compulsory in Classes 6 and 9 Across Kendriya Vidyalayas

The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has made it mandatory for all Kendriya Vidyalayas across the country to maintain at least one Sanskrit section in Classes 6 and 9 from the academic session 2026-27. The decision has been taken as part of the implementation of the revised third-language framework under the school education system.

Sanskrit Section Now Compulsory in Classes 6 and 9 Across Kendriya Vidyalayas from 2026-27

According to a circular issued by KVS on May 29, all Kendriya Vidyalayas were instructed to complete the process of collecting language preferences from students and parents regarding the third-language option. The move aligns with the broader objectives of promoting multilingual education and preserving India's linguistic heritage while ensuring flexibility for students.

Third-Language Framework Explained

Under the revised framework, students will continue to study:

• First Language (R1): Hindi
• Second Language (R2): English
• Third Language (R3): Sanskrit or a regional/state language

The third language chosen must be different from the first and second languages and should be selected from among the scheduled languages recognized in India.

Students and parents have been given the freedom to choose either Sanskrit or a regional language based on their interests and educational needs. However, KVS has clarified that every Kendriya Vidyalaya must ensure the availability of at least one Sanskrit section in Classes 6 and 9.

Why Sanskrit Sections Are Being Made Mandatory

The decision aims to ensure that students, particularly children of transferable central government employees, have uninterrupted access to Sanskrit education regardless of the region in which they are studying. Since Kendriya Vidyalayas cater largely to families that frequently relocate due to government service, maintaining a Sanskrit section across all schools will help ensure academic continuity.

KVS emphasized that the policy does not force every student to study Sanskrit. Instead, it guarantees that the option remains available in every school while allowing students to choose a regional language if they prefer.

Benefits of the New Policy

The introduction of compulsory Sanskrit sections is expected to:

• Promote India's classical language heritage.
• Support multilingual learning among students.
• Provide flexibility in language selection.
• Ensure uniform implementation of the third-language policy across Kendriya Vidyalayas.
• Help students maintain continuity in language studies when transferring between schools.

Educational experts have noted that learning additional languages can improve cognitive skills, communication abilities, and cultural understanding among students.

Impact on Kendriya Vidyalayas

All Kendriya Vidyalayas are now required to organize staffing, timetables, and classroom arrangements to accommodate Sanskrit sections for Classes 6 and 9. Schools have already begun collecting language preferences and planning section allocations for the upcoming academic year.

The move reflects KVS's commitment to implementing national educational priorities while balancing student choice and linguistic diversity.

Conclusion

The mandatory introduction of at least one Sanskrit section in Classes 6 and 9 marks a significant step in the implementation of the revised third-language framework across Kendriya Vidyalayas. While students will continue to have the option of choosing either Sanskrit or a regional language, the new policy ensures that Sanskrit remains accessible in every KVS school from the 2026-27 academic session. The initiative is expected to strengthen multilingual education, preserve India's linguistic heritage, and support the educational needs of students across the country's largest central school network.