The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the syllabus for Class 10 and Class 12 for the academic session 2025-26, outlining significant changes in the examination structure. The revised curriculum provides detailed learning objectives, subject guidelines, and assessment criteria for students appearing in the CBSE Board Exams 2026.
Two Board Exams for Class 10, Unchanged Format for Class 12
Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, CBSE has introduced a dual-exam system for Class 10 students, allowing them to appear for board exams twice a year—in February and April. This initiative aims to reduce academic stress and provide students with an additional opportunity to improve their scores. Meanwhile, Class 12 board exams will continue to be held annually. The 2026 Class 12 board exams are scheduled to commence on February 17, with nearly 20 lakh students expected to appear.
Revised Assessment and Grading for Class 10
The new evaluation method for Class 10 will follow a 9-point grading system, converting numerical marks into grades. Each subject’s board exam will be conducted for 80 marks, while the remaining 20 marks will be allocated for internal assessment. To pass, students must secure a minimum of 33% in each subject.
CBSE has also introduced three skill-based subjects for students to choose from:
- Computer Application (Code 165)
- Information Technology (Code 402)
- Artificial Intelligence (Code 417)
Additionally, students must opt for either English or Hindi as a language subject during Class 9 and 10.
In a key revision, students who fail in core subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or a language paper but pass a skill-based or optional language subject can have the failed subject replaced by the qualified skill or language subject in their result calculation.
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New Skill-Based Electives for Class 12
The Class 12 assessment will also follow the 9-point grading system. CBSE has introduced four new skill-based elective subjects:
- Land Transportation Associate
- Electronics and Hardware
- Physical Activity Trainer
- Design Thinking and Innovation
Students opting for technical subjects such as Informatics Practices (Code 065), Computer Science (Code 083), and Information Technology (Code 802) will be allowed to choose only one from these options.
The Class 12 curriculum has been structured into seven major learning areas:
- Languages
- Humanities
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- Skill Subjects
- General Studies
- Health and Physical Education
These updates reflect CBSE’s ongoing efforts to modernize its education system, enhance student flexibility, and integrate skill-based learning for better career readiness.
