New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made some major changes to the syllabus and exam structure for Classes 10th and 12th for the 2025–26 academic year. These updates focus on making learning more practical, skill-based, and aligned with real-world needs.
For Class 10th, CBSE plans to hold two board exams every year, one in February and another in April. This means students will get an extra chance to improve their scores within the same academic year. The board also wants to encourage skill development. So, students must now choose at least one skill-based subject like Computer Applications, Information Technology, or Artificial Intelligence. Along with this, they need to select either English or Hindi as a language subject in Classes 9 and 10.
Passing rules are more flexible now. Students must get at least 33% in each subject. However, if someone fails a core subject like Maths or Science but passes a skill-based or optional subject, that score can be used to replace the failed subject in the final result.
In Class 12th, CBSE has added four new skill-based subjects: Land Transportation Associate, Electronics and Hardware, Physical Activity Trainer, and Design Thinking & Innovation. The new syllabus also groups subjects into seven broad areas such as Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, and Skill Subjects. One big update is that students can now use basic calculators in the Accountancy board exam to make financial calculations easier. Class 12th exams will still be held once a year, starting 17th February, 2026.
CBSE is also changing the grading system. Instead of a five-point scale, a nine-point grading system will now give a clearer picture of a student’s performance. Teaching methods are being modernized too, with more project work, tech tools, and hands-on learning. Exams will focus more on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing facts.
All updated syllabi are available on the CBSE academic website. These changes are meant to make education more meaningful and better prepare students for college and careers ahead.
