The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially rolled out the syllabus for Classes 10 and 12 for the academic session 2025-26, introducing some notable upgrades aimed at enhancing the learning experience. Let’s break down the major updates and how they will impact students.
What's New in the CBSE Curriculum 2025-26?
CBSE has unveiled several reforms aimed at making education more student-centric and dynamic. Here are the highlights:
Double Board Exams for Class 10
Starting from the 2025-26 academic session, Class 10 students can now appear for board exams twice a year—in February and April. This flexible approach offers students more opportunities to improve their scores.
Competency-Based Learning
CBSE is placing a stronger emphasis on competency-based questions, encouraging students to deepen their understanding of concepts rather than just memorizing facts. This shift aims to boost analytical and practical skills.
Enhanced Revaluation Process
The revaluation process has been revamped to ensure greater transparency and accuracy, providing students with fair assessments of their performance.
Subject-Specific Guidelines & Assessments
New guidelines have been set for each subject, focusing on internal assessments, experiential learning, and project-based assignments. Additionally, the board is promoting technology-enabled education to enhance learning experiences.
CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2025-26: Key Highlights
The assessment structure for Class 10 will follow a 9-point grading system. Here’s a quick overview:
- Total Marks: 80 marks for the board exam and 20 marks for internal assessment for each subject.
- Passing Criteria: To pass, students must earn at least 33% in each subject.
Important Subjects & Marks Distribution
| Subject Name | Theory Marks | Internal Marks | Practical/Project Marks | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics Standard OR Basic | 80 | 20 | - | 100 |
| Science | 80 | 20 | - | 100 |
| Social Science | 80 | 20 | - | 100 |
| Carnatic & Hindustani Music | 30 | 20 | 50 | 100 |
| Painting | 30 | 20 | 50 | 100 |
| Home Science, NCC | 70 | 20 | 50 | 100 |
| Computer Applications | 50 | - | 50 | 100 |
| Business Studies & Accountancy | 70 | - | 30 | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26: Notable Changes
For Class 12, board exams will continue to be held once a year, with the 2026 exams commencing on February 17, 2026.
Key Changes
- 9-Point Grading System: The same grading scale used for Class 10 will be applied to Class 12 students.
- New Skill-Based Electives: Introducing electives like Land Transportation Associate, Electronics and Hardware, Physical Activity Trainer, and Design Thinking & Innovation to diversify learning options.
- Subject Choices: Students can choose from Informatics Practices, Computer Science, or Information Technology.
- Internal Assessments: Incorporating aspects like Health and Physical Education, Work Experience, and General Studies.
Subject Structure for Class 12
- Compulsory Subjects: Hindi (Elective/Core) and English (Elective/Core).
- Electives: Students can select any three subjects from Group A or Group S.
- Additional (Optional): Students can opt for any elective or language from any subject group.
Important Dates to Note
- Class 10 Exams: To be conducted twice annually – February and April.
- Class 12 Exams: Begin on February 17, 2026.
- Expected Number of Students: Approximately 20 lakh students are projected to appear for the Class 12 exams in 2026.
Focus on Experiential Learning & Modern Teaching Methods
CBSE is encouraging schools to implement experiential learning, competency-based assessments, and project-oriented learning. Teachers are encouraged to use inquiry-driven teaching methods and leverage technology to cater to diverse learning needs.
Conclusion
The changes in the CBSE syllabus for 2025-26 are designed to make education more flexible, engaging, and practical. With updated grading systems, fresh electives, and competency-driven assessments, students can look forward to a deeper, more comprehensive learning experience. Stay informed and prepare smartly to leverage these new reforms.
Stay tuned for more updates on the CBSE syllabus and exam patterns.