The new syllabus and grading scheme for Classes 10 and 12 are announced by CBSE

For the 2025–2026 academic year, CBSE has released its revised syllabus for Classes 10 and 12, which includes new skill-based subjects, modified exam dates, grading schemes, and passing standards.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out its updated syllabus for the 2025-2026 academic session, introducing several changes aimed at enhancing the educational experience for students in Classes 9 to 12.

As per the latest CBSE notification, schools must follow new teaching methods, assessments, and subject structures aimed at making learning more practical and engaging.

Let’s delve into the major updates and what they mean for students and educators alike.

For students in class 10, there will be two board exams

Class 10 students will have the option to take two board exams every year beginning with the 2025–2026 school year: one in February and one in April. Within the same academic year, this program seeks to provide students another opportunity to raise their grades.  It’s crucial to remember that this policy is still in the draft stage and that the final version has not yet been approved. The 2026 exams will start on February 17 and the Class 12 board exams will still be held once a year.

CLASSES 10 AND 12 REVISED GRADING SYSTEM

For the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams, CBSE is switching to a 9-point scoring scheme. One grade seat will be given to every 1/8th of the students who passed.

Exam scores will be more accurately translated into grades under this method, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of students’ performance. This seeks to give a more accurate representation of students’ knowledge and abilities and replaces the old five-point grading system.

CLASS 10 PASSING CRITERIA

Students must receive at least 33% in each topic in order to pass the Class 10 board exams. If a student passes a skill-based or elective language course but fails a core subject like Science, Maths, Social Science, or a Language paper, the failed subject might be replaced with the passed language or skill for the purpose of calculating the outcome.

If a student passes a skill-based subject but fails Mathematics, for instance, the grades from the skill-based subject will take the place of the mathematics grades.

OVERVIEW OF CLASS 10’S SKILL-BASED SUBJECTS

By adding courses like Computer Applications (Code 165), Information Technology (Code 402), and Artificial Intelligence (Code 417) for Class 10 students, CBSE is putting more of a focus on skill-based education.

In addition, during Classes 9 and 10, students must select one of two languages: Hindi or English.

CLASS 12 NEW SKILL ELECTIVES

For Class 12 students, CBSE has added four new skill electives in line with the changing nature of education:

• Electronics and Hardware
• Land Transportation Associate
• Design Thinking and Innovation
• Physical Activity Trainer

The goal of these improvements is to give students real-world skills applicable to a range of industries.

CLASS 12 ACCOUNTANCY EXAMS AND THE USE OF CALCULATORS

According to information from a CBSE conference, the organization would allow the use of simple, non-programmable calculators for Class 12 Accountancy board exams beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year in an effort to help students manage complicated financial computations.

The emphasis of new teaching approaches is on practical skills

In its most recent notification to the heads of all affiliated schools, CBSE states that the board is advocating for a change in the way children learn by encouraging inquiry-based and hands-on learning.

Now, schools need to implement:

• Through project-based learning, students will tackle actual issues rather than only reading about them.
• Students will be encouraged to ask questions and investigate answers in an inquiry-driven learning environment rather than memorize information.
• Tech-enabled learning: Online platforms, digital materials, and AI technologies will all play a larger role in classroom instruction.
• Collaborative lesson planning: Instructors will adapt their approaches on the fly to accommodate students’ changing demands.

Assessments change to evaluations based on competency

Additionally, CBSE is updating the way that pupils are evaluated. Exams will now concentrate more on actual comprehension and application of knowledge rather than only testing recollection. Schools will create tests that gauge:

• Thinking critically
• Analytical abilities
• Clarity of concept
• Knowledge used practically

This change aims to prepare students better for higher studies and careers by making learning more meaningful.

ACCESSING THE NEW SYLLABUS

The detailed syllabi for Classes 9 to 12 are now available on CBSE’s academic website. Students, parents, and educators are encouraged to review these documents to familiarize themselves with the updated curriculum and assessment frameworks.

These changes reflect CBSE’s commitment to fostering a more comprehensive and skill-oriented education system, better preparing students for future academic and professional pursuits.