Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Delhi Makes Vocational Education, Third Language Mandatory for Class IX
The Delhi government has changed how Class IX students are tested and promoted.
The new rules start from the current academic session.
Every student must now study vocational education, which teaches job skills.
A third language is also compulsory for all Class IX students.
The third language is checked by the school and marked as Qualified or Not Qualified.
Students who fail the third language can still move to Class X, but they must pass it before taking the Class X board exam.
Students can also take harder optional tests in Mathematics and Science if they want an extra challenge.
To be promoted, students need at least 33 percent in each main subject and 25 percent in the annual exam.
Students failing in up to three subjects get another chance in a compartment exam, otherwise they must repeat Class IX.
The changes follow India's National Education Policy to make learning more skill-based.
The Delhi Government revised the Class IX examination and promotion system, making vocational education and a third language compulsory.
The six main Class IX subjects are now Language-1, Language-2, Mathematics, Science, Social Science and Vocational Education (Kaushal Vikas).
Optional Mathematics Advanced and Science Advanced exams carry 25 marks, last one hour and do not count toward promotion or aggregate.
Students need at least 33% separately in internal and external assessment in each of the six subjects and 25% in the annual examination for promotion.
Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence will be introduced as structured modules in 2026-27 and become compulsory from 2027-28.
Students failing in up to three of the six main subjects can appear for compartment examinations, while others may be declared 'Essential Repeat'.
- Who
- The Delhi Government's Directorate of Education and Class IX students in Delhi schools
- What
- Revision of the Class IX examination and promotion system, making vocational education and a third language compulsory and adding optional advanced-level Mathematics and Science assessments
- When
- Announced in a circular on August 17, effective from the current academic session (2026-27)
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To align with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, emphasizing competency-based, skill-oriented and multidisciplinary learning
- Announcement date
- August 17, 2026 (circular issued on Monday)
- Six main subjects
- Language-1, Language-2, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Vocational Education (Kaushal Vikas)
- Third language
- Compulsory qualifying subject assessed at school level as 'Qualified' or 'Not Qualified'
- Advanced exams
- 25 marks, one hour, higher-order thinking questions; 50% minimum for achievement on marksheet
- Promotion criteria
- 33% in internal and external assessment in each subject; 25% in annual examination
- Compartment policy
- Allowed for students failing up to three of six main subjects
- CT & AI rollout
- Structured modules in 2026-27; compulsory subject from 2027-28
- Policy basis
- National Education Policy 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023