The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will drastically alter the layout of the tests it administers for Class 10 and 12 starting with the 2025–2026 academic year. It is expected that these changes will reduce academic pressure, ensure conceptual clarity, and harmonize assessments with the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP).
Biannual Board Examinations
From 2026 onwards, CBSE will hold Class 10 board examinations biennially:
First Examination: To be held on the first Tuesday following February 15.
Second Examination: Optional attempt in May for students seeking to build up their scores.
Students can choose to take one or both tests, and the final result will be based on the higher score. This tactic aims to ease the pressure of a single, important test while giving students the freedom they need to score good.
Focus on Competency-Based Assessments
Instead than focusing only on memorization, the new exam format evaluates students’ understanding and application of concepts. The main features are:
Assessment Focus: Concept-based questions to check conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and practical application.
Decreased Dependence on Memorization: Promoting learning that extends beyond textbook memorization.
Reduced Requirement for Outside Coaching: Making an effort to verify that educational training is suitable for exam preparation.
Examination Pattern and Subject Combination
Core Subjects: Exams in Hindi, English, social science, mathematics, and science will be held on set days.
Other Subjects: The exam process is made easy by grouping them into groups, like regional and foreign languages.
New Grading and Passing Standards
Grading System: Introduction of a 9-point grading system to scale marks to grades.
Passing Standards: For students to pass, they must receive 33% in each course.
Subject Substitution: Incase a student fails a core subject but passes a skill-based or optional language subject, the latter can replace the failed subject for result calculation.
Practical Assessments
Inspite of if a student takes one or both Board exams, practical exams or There will only be one internal assessment per academic year.
Introduction of Skill-Based Subjects
In order to encourage vocational and practical skills, CBSE has added new skill-based subjects:
Class 10: From Computer Applications, Information Technology, or Artificial Intelligence, students must select one skill-based course.
Class 12: Design Thinking & Innovation, Electronics and Hardware, Land Transportation Associate, & a Personal Trainer are new electives.
Feedback and Implementation
CBSE has come out with a draft scheme outlining these proposed changes and has sought comments of stakeholders. The policy will be considered and completed when recommendations were received.