Learning Japanese, German or French can open new career paths, and CBSE sets new rules for Class 9 languages

Learning new skills alongside studies has become essential today. Those who learn a language other than Hindi and English can find new job opportunities. Knowledge of a foreign language can open paths in translation, tourism, teaching, customer support and work with foreign companies.

For students who want to work in Japanese companies, or who dream of studying and working in Japan, Japanese can be a good option. Japan is known for sectors such as technology, automobiles and electronics. Those who know Japanese can find work in translation, language teaching, customer support and communication between companies. The language is also useful in some organisations in India that work with Japanese companies. One can begin with a beginner's course. Learning new words every day, listening to Japanese and practising speaking short sentences will help. Along with the language, it is also necessary to have a useful skill and experience.

Learning German can also open new career paths. Germany is known for engineering, automobiles, research and technology. Knowledge of the language is useful for translation, language training, tourism and communication in some companies. For those who plan to go to Germany for further studies, learning German will help according to the rules of the courses and institutions there.

French is spoken in many countries of the world. After learning it, job opportunities can be explored in fields such as tourism, hotels, translation, teaching and international customer support. French is also quite useful for students who want to study or work abroad. At the start, learn a few new words every day and get into the habit of speaking short sentences. Online classes, language-learning apps and regular practice help build a hold on the language gradually.

Meanwhile, the CBSE issued guidelines in July 2026 on the study of three languages. According to them, in 2026-27 students of Class 9 will have to study three languages, of which at least two must be Indian languages. A foreign language can be chosen as the third language only when the other two are Indian languages. For Class 10 students, the earlier arrangement of two languages will continue this session. This rule concerns language study in schools, while Japanese, German and French are separate options at the graduation level.