The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to implement significant changes in the Class 10 board examination system from the 2026-27 academic session. These reforms, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aim to provide students with more flexibility, reduce academic pressure, and enhance global competitiveness.
1. Two Board Exams in a Year
From 2026, CBSE will conduct board exams twice annually, in February and May, allowing students to improve their scores by attempting both exams. The best score will be considered for the final result.
This change aims to:
- Reduce the stress of a single high-stakes exam.
- Provide students with an opportunity to showcase their best performance.
- Help in better academic planning by distributing the study load.
To ensure students remain engaged throughout the year, schools will conduct regular internal assessments.
2. Basic and Advanced Levels for Science and Social Science
Following the existing dual-level system in Mathematics, CBSE is extending this approach to Science and Social Science subjects for Classes 9 and 10. Students will have two options:
- Basic Level: Covers essential concepts, suitable for students who do not wish to pursue the subject in higher studies.
- Advanced Level: Includes complex topics requiring higher-order thinking skills, designed for students aiming for deeper subject knowledge.
Both exams will be conducted on the same day at the same center, with Advanced-level students receiving an additional question paper focusing on application-based learning. CBSE and NCERT will develop new textbooks, and teachers will undergo training to adapt to the new format.
3. Global Curriculum for CBSE-Affiliated Foreign Schools
CBSE is introducing a Global Curriculum for its 260 affiliated foreign schools to align with international education standards while incorporating core Indian subjects. Key aspects include:
- A balanced approach integrating global trends with Indian educational values.
- Updated content in Mathematics, Science, and Social Science to cater to diverse student backgrounds.
- Collaboration with international educators to ensure compliance with global academic frameworks.
This initiative aims to expand CBSE’s global reach and enhance its competitiveness in international education.
A Major Shift in Education
These reforms mark a transformative step in India’s school education system, focusing on student-centric learning. By introducing dual exams, subject-level choices, and an international curriculum, CBSE aims to create a more flexible and inclusive education model that aligns with global standards.
