CBSE 2025-26 Syllabus: Key Changes Every Student Should Know
Posted on: 1 April 2025, By : Sourav Dey

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially rolled out the updated syllabus for Classes 10 and 12 for the 2025-26 academic year. These changes come with some exciting reforms aimed at making learning more flexible and comprehensive. Here’s a look at the key updates and how they’ll impact students.

Key Reforms in the CBSE 2025-26 Curriculum

CBSE is introducing several significant updates to create a more student-centric education system. Here’s what’s new:

1. Double Board Exams for Class 10

Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, Class 10 students will now have the option to take the board exams twice a year—once in February and again in April. This will offer students a chance to improve their scores, providing more flexibility in their academic journey.

2. Competency-Based Learning

One of the most notable changes is the shift towards competency-based questions. This approach focuses on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization, encouraging critical thinking and practical application of knowledge.

3. Improved Revaluation Process

CBSE has revamped its revaluation system to ensure greater transparency and fairness in the evaluation of exam papers. This means more accurate assessments and a smoother process for students seeking a review of their results.

4. Clearer Subject-Specific Guidelines

Each subject will now have more detailed instructions on internal assessments, experiential learning, and project-based work. The focus on integrating technology into education will further modernize the learning experience for students.

Highlights of the Class 10 Syllabus for 2025-26

The assessment structure for Class 10 will now follow a 9-point grading system. Here’s a snapshot of what students can expect:

• Total Marks: 80 marks for the board exam and 20 marks for internal assessments.
• Passing Criteria: Students must secure at least 33% in each subject to pass.

Important Updates:

• 9-Point Grading System: Similar to Class 10, students in Class 12 will be evaluated using the 9-point grading scale.
• New Skill-Based Electives: CBSE is introducing exciting electives like Land Transportation Associate, Electronics and Hardware, Physical Activity Trainer, and Design Thinking & Innovation to offer more diverse learning opportunities.
• Subject Choices: Students can now choose between Informatics Practices, Computer Science, or Information Technology, depending on their interests and career goals.
• Internal Assessments: These include subjects like Health and Physical Education, Work Experience, and General Studies, allowing students to explore a broader range of skills.

Key Dates to Remember

• Class 10 Exams are held twice a year, in February and April.
• Class 12 Exams: The 2026 exams will begin on February 17.

With nearly 20 lakh students expected to appear for the Class 12 exams in 2026, these changes are expected to impact a large number of students across the country.

Focus on Experiential Learning

CBSE is also emphasizing experiential learning, competency-based assessments, and project-based learning to ensure that students are not just learning but applying their knowledge in real-world contexts. Teachers are encouraged to adopt inquiry-driven teaching methods and use technology to cater to the diverse learning needs of students.

Conclusion

The changes to the CBSE syllabus for 2025-26 aim to make education more flexible, engaging, and practical. With the introduction of new electives, a revamped grading system, and competency-based assessments, students will be better equipped to understand and apply their learning. Stay informed and prepared to take full advantage of these updates as you chart your academic path forward!