CBSE Changes Policy For Academic Year 2025 -26

CBSE (the Central Board of Secondary Education) has made a series of major policy changes for the academic year 2025-26, to keep in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 

The whole process of reform introduced by CBSE revolves around the idea of lessening stress on students, encouraging conceptual comprehension, and thereby, turning the assessment procedure into a more flexible and skill-oriented one.

Key Policy Changes For 2025–26

• Two Board Exams for Class 10: Students will have the opportunity to take the exam in both sessions (Feb & May 2026), and the best score to be counted in order to lessen the stress on students.

• Single Board Exam for Class 12: Class 12 examinations will still be conducted annually, beginning in February 2026.

• More Competency-Based Questions: Comprehension, critical thinking, and problem-solving will constitute approximately 50% the questions in the examinations for Classes 10 and 12.

Assessment and Grading

• Higher Internal Assessment Weightage: Internal assessments have become more important as their weightage is now 40% thus enabling continuous evaluation.

• New 9-Point Grading System: A nine-point grading scale, which is flexible, is introduced by replacing the old five-tier grading system.

• 75% Mandatory Attendance: The rule of a minimum 75% attendance for students to take board exams is renewed with a few exceptions.

• Digital Evaluation: CBSE will resort to digital means of checking answer sheets for results that are faster and more precise.

Curriculum and Subjects 

• More Skill-Based Electives: New vocational subjects like Design Thinking, Electronics, Transportation, and Physical Activity Training have been added for Class 12.

• Math Flexibility: Students with Basic Math in Class 10 can choose Standard Math in Class 11.

• Mandatory APAAR ID: All Class 9 and 11 students must link their APAAR ID for 2025–26 registration.