Is Hindi Mandatory for Class 10 Board Exams in India?

Whether Hindi is mandatory for Class 10 board exams in India depends on the education board and state policies. Different boards have different language requirements, and students should check the specific rules applicable to their board.

Board-Wise Requirement of Hindi in Class 10

1. CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)

• Hindi is not compulsory for all students.
• Students must study two languages, one of which is usually English. The second language can be Hindi, Sanskrit, French, or any other approved language.
• If a student chooses Hindi as a subject, they must appear for the exam.

2. ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education)

• Hindi is compulsory as a second language.
• However, students from non-Hindi-speaking states may have the option to choose another Indian language.

3. State Boards

The requirement varies based on the state:

• Hindi-speaking states (e.g., UP, MP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana) – Hindi is usually compulsory as a subject.
• Non-Hindi-speaking states (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Kerala) – Hindi is often optional, and students can choose another regional language instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Hindi compulsory for CBSE Class 10 board exams?

No, Hindi is not compulsory in CBSE. Students can choose another language as their second language.

2. Can I skip Hindi in the ICSE Class 10 board exam?

No, Hindi is a mandatory second language in ICSE. However, students in non-Hindi-speaking states may have options for alternative languages.

3. Do all state boards make Hindi compulsory in Class 10?

No, state boards have different policies. Hindi is compulsory in Hindi-speaking states but optional in others.

4. What happens if I fail Hindi in the Class 10 board exam?

It depends on the board:

• In CBSE, failing an optional subject like Hindi usually does not affect overall results.
• In state boards where Hindi is compulsory, failing may require a re-exam.

5. Can I take Sanskrit or French instead of Hindi in Class 10?

Yes, in CBSE and some state boards, students can opt for Sanskrit, French, or other languages instead of Hindi.