Affiliation No: IA702, 94883
Call us at: +919663213636

Is Hindi Compulsory in CBSE Class 11?

Written ByAnshu Kumari
Calander
Last Updated on04 Sep, 2025
Reading
Min Reading6 min read

Are you struggling with the language choice thing as you are about to switch for class 11 in CBSE boards?

Don’t worry your are first of all not at all alone. Students going through this stage of education find it confusing to choose additional subjects in their 11th session, especially when it comes to hindi.

As a passed out student I can tell that we have a significant change from choosing generic subjects to subjects that are more in line with our career. Then Hindi as a language subject or additional only is to add marks to our boards results.

But this is not all the picture that you would have thought about hindi as a compulsory subject or not. In the response, we are diving into this question and finding answers if Hindi is compulsory in CBSE class 11? 

Is Hindi Compulsory in CBSE Class 11?

The simple answer would be a NO, if you ask is hindi compulsory in cbse class 11. 

According to the National Educational Policy 2020, it was stated that a child in class 11 and 12 needs to study two languages in which one is Foreign Language i.e., English, and another is any Indian/Regional Language. Further, the new framework requiring specific language combinations for Classes 11-12 is part of ongoing NEP implementation.

Not necessarily that it has to be only hindi because most schools can provide hindi language syllabus and teaching easily in India. But it is not like there is no other option for language subject selection. Sanskrit, or even other regional languages if provided by schools can be studied by students without any hesitation.

In such schools, proper facilities and resources are not available that are prerequisite to teach regional values and cultural languages.

Also read the benefits of learning a foreign language .

CBSE Hindi Requirements

Hindi subject is not a compulsion to be taken as subject by everyone, that’s why here’s a requirements category for when to choose it. Go on with the elaboration below:

1. Current CBSE Language Policy

As per the most current stats and news headlines, there are mandatory rules to choose two language subjects in class 11 and 12, either of which can be an Indian language. 

For 9th and 10th class students, this goes to three language subject compulsion

2. Academic Year Specifications

Hindi being the most easily available and most common language was promoted naturally. It does not mean that languages like Sanskrit, or other regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, etc. can’t be chosen.

3. Regional Variations

In the North side of India, students and children are most comfortable with Hindi language, which speaks for the popular choice of hindi in academic years. 

The picture looks variably different in southern parts like Tamil Nadu and the west side like Maharashtra of India, as they are more culturally oriented. The local people are more aware of the importance of regional language and culture and want their kids to pursue those subjects having regional language wherever possible.

4. Official Documentation References

For assisted reference you can reach out to the official website of CBSE or read the CBSE Curriculum handbook. Here you can find answers to all your doubts about Language Policy and changes if any, offering intact guidelines as you want to know.

In case you still find something skeptical, go and check with your school faculties and legitimate officials.

Hindi As Compulsory in CBSE

Some schools due to lack of best possible resources choose the safest option of teaching their students Hindi as a compulsory subject. Read out the dynamics of Hindi subject even as compulsion:

1. Core/Elective Classification

Hindi can be chosen as a core or even as an elective subject depending on schools curriculum and planning. 

In schools where Hindi is an elective subject, learners can move to other languages like Sanskrit, etc. for having language as their subject.

2. Credit Requirements

Once you pass your 10th boards you are eligible to take Hindi as a subject in your Class 11 journey. This is the only credit requirement that you are supposed to have and similarly it works for other languages too. 

3. Assessment Patterns

People who took Hindi subjects might be knowing that though Hindi sounds easy, tests and exams for assessment are equally lengthy like other subjects. 

Prior to final exams are the small projects, weekly tests, half-yearly exams, leading to in-depth testing of if children have really understood the basics of Hindi.

4. Pass/Fail Implications

If you fail in the Hindi subject of class 11, you won’t be promoted to the next standard. You need to clear the reappears first then only your are transferable to the next session of class 12th.

Hindi As Alternative Language Option in CBSE

CBSE schools located all over India work differently for a few scenarios. One such example can be delivering or offering other language subjects than Hindi to students, so that they learn differently and stand out.

1. Regional Language Alternatives

If you think that you are not that good at Hindi, you can also go for another language subject for your class 11 subject combination. Local schools running with CBSE affiliation still have the right to teach their students regional languages like Tamil in Tamil Nadu, etc. 

2. Sanskrit as an Option

Sanskrit after Hindi is one such example of language that is widely preferred after Hindi in CBSE schools, if regional languages are not too persistent.

Other than this, Sanskrit language is another language that is unique and equally appreciated and accepted by Indians all over the country. Due to its rich cultural heritage and origin it is welcomed by curriculums from all over the world.

3. Modern Indian Languages

As diversity remains an important part of Indian culture, modern languages that are not really native are still offered in schools of CBSE board. Some instances can include Punjabi and Konkani languages still arising and making its roots stronger through continuous learning

4. Special Circumstances Provisions

If you are a child whose parents have shifted from outside (abroad) to here, with special consideration and document identification, you can normally take Hindi as your subject in class 11.

Is Hindi compulsory in CBSE Class 11- Exemptions/ Special Cases

After going through all these classifications and considerations of choosing Hindi or not as your compulsory subject, let’s discuss some cases that are exceptional but considerable.

1. Foreign National Students

You might be surprised but it is not a mandatory condition to choose a Hindi subject in your crucial 11th class academic year, if you are a foreign student. Schools can assist you to choose a second language (foreign language) if applicable in their schools.

2. NRI Student Provisions

Students who are NRI and are back in India to pursue their education get liberty to choose any one language out of English or Hindi. These children so that they don’t feel overwhelmed if they want to also have a second foreign language that they were studying outside.

3. Transfer Student Policies

Policies are mostly similar for transfer-children from other state boards to CBSE. They can sign up for only one subject from English or Hindi (if they like), then any other regional language the schools offer. 

All in all, the conclusion is that Hindi is not really a compulsion to be precise in these cases.

4. Disability Considerations

Schools also give exemptions to education of children with special needs , and it becomes no more necessary to choose Hindi as a subject. The legal and verified documents stating the disability, and considerable accommodations from schools are essential.

Final Thoughts

After going through the piece you must be having clarity on whether Hindi acts as a compulsory subject in class 11 subject selection or not. 

It still doesn’t ignore the vital factors added by other languages like Sanskrit, Tamil, Marathi, etc., thus pushing ahead cultural awareness of society too.
Exceptions like being disabled, or shifting places or boards in education is considered in the learning systems, which is appreciable for not choosing Hindi as well.

FAQs

No, Hindi is not a compulsory subject in CBSE class 11, as per latest updates in National policies of education.

Yes, you can surely choose languages like Sanskrit or other regional languages for your class 11 academic year, if your school provides so.

If your school offers only Hindi as the Indian language, it will be chosen as your core subject.

Yes, studying Hindi in Class 11 helps you in competitive exams like JEE or NEET because these papers are printed in both Hindi and English.

Some state boards have been seen to make Hindi as compulsory subject in class11, but all CBSE schools don’t do such.

Anshu Kumari

Author Image

Anshu Kumari holds a graduate degree in psychology while pursuing writing as her freelance profession. She has more han one year of experience in content writing. She dedicates her time to reading philosophy together with managing her new poetry collection.

You may also want to read

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

No comments yet.
Admission closing Soon Enquire Now