The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled significant updates to the Class 10 and Class 12 syllabus for the academic session 2025-2026. Among the most notable changes are the introduction of two board exams for Class 10 students each year and a revamped grading system designed to provide a more comprehensive assessment of students’ performance.
Key Changes in CBSE Class 10 Board Exams
Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, Class 10 students will have the option to appear for board exams twice annually—in February and April—allowing greater flexibility and opportunities to improve their scores.
Updated Grading and Marks Calculation System
Previously, CBSE followed a five-point grading scale based on absolute marks. Now, the revised system introduces a 9-point grading scale. Each subject will have a total of 80 marks for the board exam, with an additional 20 marks allocated for internal assessments.
Class 10 Passing Criteria and Subject Substitution
To pass, students must secure a minimum of 33% in each subject. If a student fails in a core subject like Mathematics, Science, Social Science, or a language, but passes a skill-based or optional language subject, the failed subject will be substituted with the passed skill or language subject for result calculation.
Skill-Based Subjects for Class 10
Students can choose one of the following skill-based subjects, which may be used as a substitute if they fail a core subject:
- Computer Application (Code 165)
- Information Technology (Code 402)
- Artificial Intelligence (Code 417)
Additionally, students must study either English or Hindi as one of their language subjects in Classes 9 and 10.
CBSE Class 12 Board Exam Updates
For Class 12 students, board exams will continue to be held once a year, with the 2026 exams set to commence on February 17. Like Class 10, the assessment system will now follow the 9-point grading scale.
New Skill Electives for Class 12
CBSE has introduced four new skill electives for Class 12 students:
- Land Transportation Associate
- Electronics and Hardware
- Physical Activity Trainer
- Design Thinking and Innovation
Use of Calculators in Class 12 Accountancy Exams
A significant relief for students taking accountancy exams—CBSE will permit the use of basic, non-programmable calculators to simplify complex financial calculations.
These reforms aim to modernize the Indian education system by providing students with greater flexibility, skill-based learning opportunities, and an improved grading framework. With these changes, CBSE hopes to make student assessments more comprehensive and aligned with future career prospects.
