CBSE Updates Syllabus for Class 10 and 12: Key Changes for 2025-2026
New Exam Format for CBSE Class 10
Starting from the academic year 2025-2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class 10 students will have the opportunity to take two board exams each year – one in February and another in April.
Marks Calculation: A New 9-Point Grading System
Previously, CBSE used a five-point grading scale based on absolute marks. However, for the academic year 2025-2026, the CBSE Class 10 exams will follow a 9-point grading system for converting marks into grades. The board exam will be conducted for 80 marks in each subject, with compulsory subjects including 20 marks for internal assessment.
Passing Criteria for CBSE Class 10
To pass the CBSE Board Class 10 exams, students will need to score at least 33% in each subject.
What if a student fails a core subject?
In cases where a student fails in core subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or a language paper, but passes a skill-based or optional language subject, the failed subject will be substituted with the passed skill or language subject for the purpose of result calculation.
Skill-based subjects for Class 10
- Computer Application (Code 165),
- Information Technology (Code 402),
- Artificial Intelligence (Code 417).
Additionally, students are required to choose either English or Hindi as one of the languages for Classes 9 and 10.
CBSE Class 12 Board Exams to Begin in February
CBSE Class 12 Board exams will still be conducted once a year. The Class 12 board exams for 2026 will begin on February 17.
Marks Calculation for CBSE Class 12
Similar to Class 10, the Class 12 results will also be assessed using the 9-point grading system.
New Skill Electives for CBSE Class 12
For the academic year 2025-2026, the CBSE has introduced four new skill electives:
- Land Transportation Associate,
- Electronics and Hardware,
- Physical Activity Trainer,
- Design Thinking and Innovation.
Calculator Use in CBSE Class 12 Board Exams
Reportedly, the CBSE will allow Class 12 accountancy students to use basic, non-programmable calculators during CBSE Board exams 2025 to help manage lengthy financial calculations.
